An understrength Liverpool ground out their second away goalless draw in Naples to put themselves in a strong position at the top of Europa League Group K, with half the games played.

They had to rely on a desperate goalline clearance by left-back Paul Konchesky, one of Liverpool’s few first-choice players on show, to stay level at the break.

But striker Ryan Babel missed a golden opportunity to grab all three points midway through the second half.

The first 45 minutes was a tight, cautious affair with the one clear chance falling to Slovakian playmaker Marek Hamsik.

His left-foot shot from close range found Konchesky on the goalline and the fifth official ruled correctly that the ball had, just, failed to cross the line.

Uruguayan striker Edison Cavani had two decent chances for the hosts in a more entertaining second half.

He forced a low left-handed save from Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina on 54 minutes and headed Cristian Maggio’s cross wide on the hour.

But Babel could have won it for Liverpool nine minutes later when Milan Jovanovic sent him clear only for Napoli keeper Morgan De Sanctis to save the Dutchman’s low right-foot shot with his outstretched left foot.