Defending champions Liverpool will need at least a point in their final group game at Red Bull Salzburg to guarantee reaching the last 16 of the Champions League after a lacklustre draw against Napoli.

The Reds would have gone through as Group E winners with a win but fell behind midway through the first half when Dries Mertens beat the offside trap to finish from a tight angle.

Liverpool were far from their best in the first half as they struggled to put together the fast-flowing attacking football they are capable of, although went close to equalising on the stroke of half-time when James Milner was denied at the near post.

Kalidou Koulibaly cleared Roberto Firmino's effort off the line as Liverpool improved after the restart, with Napoli sitting deeper to protect their lead.

The hosts finally equalised when Dejan Lovren headed home from a corner after 65 minutes, the goal prompting Anfield to roar into life as Liverpool fans urged their side on to find a winner.

But despite a late push the Napoli defence held firm to earn a point.

It means Liverpool will have to go to Red Bull Salzburg on 10 December needing a draw or hope Napoli lose at home to Genk.