Salzburg 0 - 2 Liverpool
Perhaps few remember last year, but Liverpool, who were crowned champions of Europe in Madrid after a spectacular comeback in the semifinals against FC Barcelona, was on the verge of being eliminated in the group stage. In a dramatic last match like the one faced by Jürgen Klopp's team in their visit to one of the pleasant surprises of the competition: Salzburg. A team with Erling Haland, a tournament star and forward who will make history on the continent. The Norwegian, well supported by the Asian Minamino, was the spearhead of a brave team that intimidated the Reds in the first half with their weapons: high pressure, lots of intensity, and overwhelming the opponent without letting them think. The Austrians only lacked a goal, whether it be due to some miraculous intervention by Alisson or due to a lack of correct decision-making in the final meters.
But certainly, the English, undisputed leaders in England and a global reference team today, suffered a lot today. Well fortified in defense, they gradually weathered the storm, and every time they came out of their den, they showed their teeth through Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mané. The Egyptian came close to ending the agony in the first half (defeat combined with Napoli's victory would have eliminated the British), but he was more inaccurate than usual until the second half. However, despite the initial intensity of the Austrians, which was maintained with interesting flashes in attack, they showed weaknesses in defense, especially on the side of former Sevillian Maximilian Wöber.
With the score unchanged in the first half, in the second half the logic and the quality of the reigning champion prevailed. After a few minutes of nerves at the resumption, Liverpool finally found the goal of tranquility in the 56th minute when Naby Keita scored an empty-net goal in a beautiful team play that exposed Salzburg's defensive shortcomings like never before. And, with hardly any time to recover, Mohamed Salah increased the lead and put the match beyond doubt. Because the English were probably not better today, but they knew how to play their game well and take advantage of their opportunities to settle the match in just 2 minutes. The impact of the Reds' attack was lethal once again.
In any case, the locals did not give up and continued to hover around Alisson's area, although with less frequency and hope. The match turned into a free-for-all that benefited Liverpool, who, however, did not manage to score as many goals as expected. In the end, the European champions, with more suspense than expected, managed to advance to the next round and also as group winners. Another threat in the draw for Real Madrid. Salzburg, on the other hand, finishes third and will be a tough challenge in the Europa League, as long as they keep their key players in January...
Naples 4 - 0 Genk
Playing at home and depending on themselves to reach the round of 16, Naples faced the last-place team in this exciting group, Genk, who had nothing at stake. A perfect opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti's team to set aside their differences this afternoon and row together from the start to reach the next phase. And it seems they got off to a good start, as a hat-trick from Arkadiusz Milik in just 37 minutes put the match beyond doubt.
The Polish forward took advantage of a colossal mistake by the Belgian defense to put Naples at ease with just 3 minutes played. The Partenopei imposed their greater finishing ability and played the entire first half with great composure, especially as the other goals came, both from the Polish striker, who will be one of the players of the match. The third, from a penalty, shortly before halftime, sealed a match in which the Belgians approached the home area, but on few occasions and without success.
With the match decided, the second half was simply the passing of time as the Italians sought to increase the rout to the delight of their fans while waiting for news from Austria. Dries Mertens, from the penalty spot in the 74th minute, scored the fourth goal of a match that had little history since the first half. Because the match ended like this, with Naples having done their homework and secured second place.
Here you can check the final standings of Group E.