Champions, Napoli poker at Ajax: the round of 16 mission is already accomplished

Champions League, Napoli-Ajax 4-2

Mission accomplished for Napoli: by beating Ajax 4-2 at the ‘Maradona,’ Luciano Spalletti’s team has in fact already earned qualification to the Champions League round of 16, and will be able to concentrate in their matches against Rangers and Liverpool in managing their lead in the standings with the goal of sealing first place in Group A.

The start of the Parthenopeans is very strong: the 1-0 comes as early as 4′ on the Zielinski-Lozano axis, with the Mexican outpacing Pasveer, while the doubling bears the signature of Giacomo Raspadori when the clock has just passed the quarter-hour mark.

The Lancers’ reaction, unlike the humiliating 1-6 in the first leg, was more effective, and Klaassen’s goal in the 49th minute dropped some certainty among the hosts. Removing doubts, however, is the usual Kvaratskhelia, who in the 62nd minute puts the Azzurri two ahead from the penalty spot (Timber’s hands in the box). Another distraction, in the 83rd minute, allowed Ajax to reopen the game: foul on the line bordering the area by Juan Jesus on Brobbey, Bergwijn scored the subsequent penalty. Victor Osimhen, on the day of his return from injury, however, scored the goal that sealed the deal in the 90th minute and made the home crowd explode with joy.