Victor Osimhen’s close-range goal and Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s composed finish at ten-man Frankfurt give Napoli a two-goal advantage as they return to the Stadio Maradona in the Champions League round of 16.
Napoli, the Serie A leaders under Luciano Spalletti, advanced significantly towards their first-ever UEFA Champions League quarterfinal appearance with a 2-0 victory over Frankfurt in the first leg of their round of 16 matchup.
In the first ten minutes, Mario Götze and Randal Kolo Muani both missed the target, giving the home team the upper hand in the opening exchanges.
However, as Napoli gradually took control, Kevin Trapp was forced to stop Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Piotr Zieliski’s attempts from the edge of the box.
Just after the half-hour mark, Hirving Lozano burst into the area and fired a low effort against the base of the post, showcasing the Partenopei’s attacking prowess.
Aurélio Buta knocked Victor Osimhen to the ground after the rebound, but Europa League championship hero Trapp stopped Kvaratskhelia’s ferocious penalty kick.
The Serie A front-runners did not have to wait very long for their following chance. Osimhen made no errors from close range when Lozano was sent rushing down the right flank by his pinpoint cross to the centre.
The fact that striker Kolo Muani was sent off just prior to the hour for a challenge on Zambo Anguissa made it even harder for Frankfurt to regain their early pressure.
Seven minutes later, Kvaratskhelia was set up by Zambo Anguissa’s lofted return pass, and the Georgian international’s deft backheel gave Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo enough time to shoot past Trapp and inside the far post.
In the dying moments, Frankfurt tried to gain a foothold in the game, but Daichi Kamada was unable to complete a smooth move from the home team.
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