Matchday 1 of the Champions League. It is half time, Liverpool are slogging out a goalless draw with Napoli. Group rivals RB Salzburg are 5-1 up against Genk. The Austrian side’s performance should give Liverpool fans a lot of encouragement. They are recklessly attacking and throw caution to the wind, this approach is more likely to cost Napoli points than Liverpool. The Italian side are the Reds’ biggest threat to winning the group.
The game ended 6-2 at the Red Bull Arena. Wonderkid Erling Braut Haaland scored a first half hat-trick for the hosts as they bulldozed the Belgian minnows. The 19 year old forward has now scored a ridiculous 17 goals in 9 appearances this season for the Austrian team.
Jürgen Klopp’s side are much sturdier defensively than the rest of the group. Despite falling to a late defeat last night, the Reds will prove the hardest team to get past. Napoli weren’t at their brilliant best going forward as they were cautious about a Liverpool counter, so much as a hint of openness and the Reds could have exploited the Italians. Carlo Ancelotti’s side cannot afford to also sit back against Salzburg. If and when the Naples club come out to attack the Austrians, they could be exploited by the gung ho approach of Jesse Marsch.
Klopp’s philosophy works well against teams that want to attack. Away from home the Reds will be able to soak up pressure from the Austrian hosts and counter when they can, we can have the utmost faith in the determination of our defence – they were steadfast in Madrid. Salzburg battering Genk should delight Liverpool fans.
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