Mohamed Salah’s Late Goal Secures Win for Liverpool, While Nunez Adds a Second in Final Moments
Mohamed Salah matched Steven Gerrard’s record for European goals at Anfield with his crucial 85th-minute strike, helping Liverpool secure a 2-0 victory over Napoli in the Champions League. The win came after a determined second-half performance, with Salah’s follow-up goal proving pivotal. His 41st European goal, scored in his 64th Champions League appearance, equalled Gerrard’s tally of 18 Champions League goals at Anfield.
The goal came after a dramatic moment in the 85th minute, when Napoli’s goalkeeper Alex Meret kept a header from Darwin Nunez from crossing the line. Salah was quick to react, forcing the ball into the net and giving Liverpool the lead. Nunez later added a second goal in the dying seconds, with VAR overturning an offside decision to confirm his strike after a Virgil van Dijk header had been spilled by Meret.
Although the match had little at stake for Napoli, who had already secured top spot in Group A, it offered Liverpool a much-needed confidence boost following a disappointing start to their group campaign, which had included a heavy 4-1 loss in Naples. Jurgen Klopp’s side had already qualified for the knockout stage before the match, but the victory allowed them to end the group stage on a positive note.
Despite the win, there were concerns for Liverpool, as James Milner was forced off with an injury, leaving the team short of resources in the midfield. However, the return of Ibrahima Konate to the defensive lineup, replacing Joe Gomez, was a positive. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk appeared to offer better stability, especially in light of recent defensive struggles.
The first half of the match was largely uneventful, with Liverpool failing to create clear-cut chances. Curtis Jones missed an opportunity, firing over the bar after a tight-angle attempt, and later heading wide from a Roberto Firmino flick. Napoli’s winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, posed the biggest threat with his runs, but Liverpool’s defence held firm.
In the second half, Napoli had a chance to take the lead when Leo Ostigard appeared to score from a free-kick, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside after a three-minute review. Liverpool, meanwhile, struggled to convert chances, with Salah missing a close-range volley before finally finding the net in the 85th minute. Nunez then sealed the win with a goal at the death.
The victory marked a positive end to a difficult group stage for Liverpool, who will now turn their attention to their Premier League campaign. Klopp’s side has struggled in recent weeks, and their next challenge comes against Tottenham in London, where they will hope to find form in the league after a difficult start.
