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.

Referee Felix Brych's decision to award a penalty for Napoli's opener stood after it was looked at by video assistant referee (VAR) officials.

"I'm pretty sure there are different views on that situation but when a player jumps before there is contact then it cannot be a penalty," said Klopp.

"It was very decisive in that moment for sure but we can't change it. As long as human beings make the decisions then there is still potential for [mistakes].

"The rules are like this and we trust in the rules."

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.

The 32-year-old, deputising for the injured Alisson, twice saved from compatriot Fabian Ruiz during the first period and produced an outstanding point-blank save from Mertens' volley just after the break.

However, unlike the corresponding fixture last season, when Liverpool failed to register a shot on target in their 1-0 defeat, Klopp's side did produce moments of slick football to threaten the hosts.

A flashing Mohamed Salah drive was superbly tipped to safety by Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, who also saved Sadio Mane's toe-poked shot with the score at 0-0.

But while Klopp's side have made a blistering start to the Premier League, averaging three goals per game, their failure to exploit several good breaks consigned them to a sixth defeat away from home in their past eight matches in the competition.