Opening Champions League defeat for Liverpool and Chelsea

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Dries Mertens’ penalty and a late Fernando Llorente goal condemned Liverpool to defeat in their Group E Champions League opener against Napoli.

Belgian forward Mertens scored from the penalty spot after Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was judged to have fouled Jose Callejon.

Former Tottenham forward Llorente then capitalised on a mistake from Virgil van Dijk in stoppage-time to roll the ball past Liverpool keeper Adrian.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are the first winners of the competition to lose the opening game of the following campaign since AC Milan in 1994.

Goalkeeper Adrian had earlier made two keys saves for Liverpool, who initially struggled to impose themselves in the intimidating atmosphere of the San Paolo Stadium.

And Ross Barkley missed a late penalty as Chelsea opened their Champions League campaign by losing at home to Valencia.

Willian had an early shot saved by Jasper Cillessen before Chelsea lost midfielder Mason Mount to injury.

Valencia, who lost 5-2 at Barcelona on Saturday, broke the deadlock as Rodrigo volleyed in Daniel Parejo’s free-kick.

And that proved to be the winner as substitute Barkley fired over after the video assistant referee awarded a spot-kick for handball by Daniel Wass. (BBC Sport)

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