SSC Napoli has finished first in their Champions League group after claiming a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Portuguese opponents Benfica.
The fixture was equally important for both sides, with victory securing top spot in Group B and a place in the Round of 16 for the winner.
Turkish side Besiktas were also in the mix to qualify but failed to do so after they were decimated 6-0 by last placed Dynamo Kiev on a cold Ukrainian night.
The anticipated match started slowly for both sides as they endeavoured to keep their play safe and minimise errors, although the Neapolitans started to create threating chances towards the end of the first half.
Italian forward Manolo Gabbiadini almost got the Partenopei in front, finding the back of the net with his a header, only to be ruled offside.
Before the sides returned for the second 45 minutes, news broke about the other fixture in Group B – Besiktas were already trailing Dynamo Kiev 4-0, assuring both Napoli and Benfica spots in the next stage of the tournament regardless of the outcome of the match.
Napoli finally capitalised on one of their chances in the 60th minute, though, through José Callejón. The Spaniard received a pinpoint pass from substitute Dries Mertens to chip home and take the lead for the Italian side.
Benfica were shocked following the goal and things only got worse for the home side in the 79th minute when Mertens doubled his side’s advantage. The Belgian’s goal came from brilliant dribbling skills that allowed him to squeeze past Benfica defender Luisao and strike the ball into the goal with some assistance from the left post.
Overall it was looking great for the Serie A side, who had only managed to collect a total of two points in their previous three Champions League fixtures. However, Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina wasn’t to celebrate a clean sheet on this occasion as defender Raul Albiol made a simple defensive error and gifted Raul Jimenez a late consolation goal.
Napoli getting the victory in Portugal was never going to be an easy task but as long as Maurizio Sarri’s men qualified for the next stage then it would have been a job well done.
The Campanian club have started to look good in attack – scoring goals doesn’t seem to be an issue anymore. The club’s fans should be delighted with the result as they look forward to a fascinating Round of 16 encounter in the new year.
But for now, their focus must remain on the domestic Serie A.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
It's back, and it's better than ever. The Champions League is one of the great sporting competitions in the world, and if you want…
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The Mariners must deal with possibly their toughest challenge yet - Kyrgyzstan’s FK Abdysh-Ata Kant in the first leg of the semifinal.
Already four goals up before the 90-minute mark, Florian Wirtz scored to seal his hat-trick and staff couldn't keep the supporters from celebrating their…
With a certain inevitability, Manchester City are suddenly in charge of the Premier League title race. Arsenal and Liverpool both produced lethargic performances under…
