Liverpool 1-0 Napoli: 3 reasons why Liverpool defeated Napoli | UEFA Champions League 2018-19

Liverpool reached the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to a Mohamed Salah goal in the 33rd minute. Salah who was a bit out of form at the start of the season, has regained form at the correct time for Liverpool. Napoli kept searching for the equaliser, and had a golden opportunity in the 78th minute when Jose Callejon hit one over the crossbar.

Liverpool’s attacking threats were never in doubt before the game, but they had to find a way to stop Napoli from scoring, a team which has scored 32 goals in Serie A so far. Virgil Van Dijk’s calming presence in central defense, and Alisson’s all-important block in the 92nd minute gave Liverpool supporters a chance to again dream of a Champions League season like the last one.

Napoli’s problem was on the left-hand side of the pitch where Salah was a constant threat, they did keep the other Liverpool players quiet though. Liverpool next face Manchester United in the Premier League, and they couldn’t have asked for a better match to get confidence going into the big match.

We take a look at 3 reasons why Liverpool won this important encounter.

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#1 Mohamed Salah’s return to form

Salah’s goal came at the right time

Salah is a big match player, and he didn’t hide yesterday. Klopp has always played his teams around Salah, and it doesn’t matter to him if he is not the most pressing attacker in the front three. His technical abilities kind of compensate for his defensive shoddiness.

Salah’s goal came at the right time, as it gave Liverpool the confidence to play the second half with a bit of relief. Because the goal came in the latter part of the first half, Napoli had little time to react, and had to wait for half time to strategize again. Salah was a constant threat on the left side for Napoli, and the Egyptian will play an important role in the latter stages of the tournament.

#2 Alisson’s heroics in stoppage time

Klopp understood that a world-class goalkeeper would make this Liverpool team stronger

Liverpool’s defense was solid as ever. Virgil van Dijk really marshaled the troops pretty well, and so Alisson really had to do nothing till the 92nd minute of the game.

Liverpool fans had their hearts in their mouths the moment Arkadiusz Milik was six yards towards goal, and had a great chance to equalise, but Alison charged down and made an important block. It was no wonder the Anfield faithful were singing Alisson’s name at the end, and Klopp’s investment in the goalkeeper has really paid off.

Last season, Liverpool lost the big final against Real Madrid as their keeper had a nightmare that day, and Klopp understood that a world-class goalkeeper would make this Liverpool team stronger.

Klopp was surely playing for a 1-0 victory, and when you are playing with such a strict plan, your keeper needs to produce that kind of save.

#3 A disciplined midfield

The game was won in the midfield by Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has many options in midfield at Liverpool, but when it comes to the big games he always trusts James Milner and captain Jordan Henderson. Gini Wijnaldum has become an integral part of the Liverpool midfield, and his name is first on the team sheet.

The players took turns to join in the attack, and not once did all midfielders jump the gun at the same time. At every moment there were 2 midfielders holding the fort and not allowing Napoli play their fast passing game.

James Milner has been a completely transformed player under Klopp, and Henderson doesn’t seem to be the first choice anymore, but he again showed his worth yesterday in this game which was won in the midfield by Liverpool.

Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lallana will only make the team stronger going forward, and the squad looks good to compete on both fronts - the Champions League as well as the Premier League.