Following Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain, there has been some confusion about how the Reds can still progress in the Champions League.
The Reds suffered a disappointing loss to Thomas Tuchel’s star-studded PSG after James Milner’s penalty at the stroke of half-time wasn’t enough to overcome goals from Juan Bernat and Neymar.
Napoli ran out 3-1 winners over Red Star Belgrade, eliminating them from Europe. However, the Serbian side’s late goal has changed the complexion of Liverpool’s final game.
Liverpool had needed to win by two clear goals against Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the final fixture of Group C in order to progress.
However, Liverpool now need just a 1-0 win over the Serie A side to seal qualification alongside PSG, who would lead the group should they win over Red Star in their final match.
A 1-0 win would see Liverpool equal on points, head to head, and on goal difference with Napoli. The Reds would go therefore go through based on goals scored.
However, if Napoli score just once at Anfield, a one goal margin will not be enough to see Jurgen Klopp’s side go through and they would need to win by at least two to secure progression.
The tie breakers are based on the following:
‣ Points in head to head matches
‣ Goal difference head to head
‣ Goals scored head to head
‣ Away goals head to head
‣ Goal difference in all matches
‣ Goals scored in all matches
So Liverpool still have it all to do on the final day vs Ancelotti’s side, with keeping a clean sheet of the utmost importance to avoid a nervy finish to their European campaign.
