Napoli remains at the top of the group thanks to the duo Mertens in Red Star

Napoli, Italy (Reuters) – Napoli have won 3-1 at home against former Red Star Belgrade champion Belgrade, with a superb performance thanks to Derrick Mertens' double in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Napoli kept the Group C lead with nine points in five games, while the Serbian champions conceded four points after conceding 13 goals in three away games.

The victory was not enough to guarantee Napoli their place in the round of 16 with Paris St Germain beating Liverpool 2-1 in the second group, bringing the French team to eight points against six for Liverpool.

Naples is a Liverpool guest on the last lap and must avoid a 2-1 or 1-0 defeat to qualify, regardless of the release of Paris St Germain against Red Star.

"It's a simple thing we have to do well and win at Anfield," coach Carlo Ancelotti said. The fact is that we are at the top of the group, which no one could believe in the beginning.

"This team gives me a lot of enthusiasm that I have not felt for over two years and when it 's full of emotions, it works better."

Mertens started scoring early when Calido Culebali broke through on the right and headed for Jose Cayejon, who sent a low shot around Mertens with a goal but Milan Borian blocked him.

It did not take much time for Napoli to reach a shot near Maric Hrissik in the 11th minute.

Coulibaly sent Borian a saved header before Mertens doubled the score when he put a cross on a center that hit the defender and turned to give a free kick to the goal in the 33rd minute.

He scored the second goal seven minutes into the second period by sending a long pass to Mertens, who kidnapped him, cut off a defender and hit Burian.

Ben Nabouhani of the Comoros reduced the difference to the guests five minutes later.

"Given the problem of many players and the high expectations that await us, we have done a good job tonight, especially in the second half," said Red Star coach Diane Miloovic.