Champions League: Liverpool fall in title defence opener to Napoli

Liverpool began their Champions League defence in the worst possible way, crashing 2-0 at Napoli 

Dries Mertens converted a penalty in the 82nd and Fernando Llorente struck in stoppage time for Napoli as the Italians beat their English opponents in a repeat of last year's group stage.

Napoli players celebrate their first goal.
Napoli players celebrate their first goal. Photo credit: Reuters

And Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen parried Marco Reus's penalty and made several crucial saves as the five-time champions had a lucky escape in Dortmund in a second-half return of Lionel Messi from injury.

Chelsea's Ross Barkley, meanwhile, missed a late spot kick in a 1-0 home defeat against Valencia while Norwegian teenager Erling Haland netted a first-half hat- trick as Salzburg routed Genk 6-2.

Last season's semi-finalist Ajax defeated OSC Lille 3-0, Inter Milan secured a stoppage-time 1-1 against Slavia Prague, RB Leipzig won 2-1 at Benfica, and Olympique Lyon and Zenit St Petersburg drew 1-1.

DPA