Whatever happens from here, this Napoli side is already etched in history. With Osimhen delivering support and Zielinski scoring, they defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. Champions League football is no longer a distant dream for Napoli; they are marching forward with increasing confidence.
Relating to
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Next Friday, anticipation rises for the final draw of the season. A team that faced the German side with grit, freshness, and a notable European threat will be on display again. Napoli stood ready to confirm their place in the draw, embracing a moment of history at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, where the city roars with passion after the Italian ban against Eintracht fans. A small grain of sand to keep the dream alive for a southern city that lives for big nights.
Spalletti did not engage in speculation. The azzurri started with purpose, pressing high and understanding that a lead would shape the tie, while a setback could open doors. The middle of the field was controlled by Lobotka, Anguissa, and Zielinski, who outworked Gotze and his colleagues and fed the attackers with clean service, while a solid defensive structure held firm through occasional scares. The opening phase settled quickly.
In Italian football, sometimes a moment of silence speaks volumes.
How Napoli plays? Osimhen leads the charge. #LaCasadelFootball #UCL
— Football on Movistar Plus+
A game that can look simple but may turn complex quickly. Osimhen, confident and relentless, seized a crucial moment just before the break to seal the fate of the tie.
His trusted teammate Kvaratskhelia had signaled the danger earlier, but the finishing touch eluded him as Trapp blocked several promising chances when the Georgian was not fully at ease.
With no more chances at hand for Kvaradona, Osimhen found Politano on the flank, delivered a precise cross into the box, and headed the ball into the net. The city exploded with jubilation, and the moment prompted Osimhen to shed the celebratory mask, a symbol of his status as a city icon. He did not stop there; as the second half began, he again pressed forward, showing himself in the right spot to help set up Lorenzi for the decisive second assist.
ATTRACTOR OF OSIMHEN.
Glider-like movement, a powerful header, and a decisive finish. #LaCasadelFootball #UCL
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Fears of a shock fade away as Napoli controlled the game with composure, savoring the moment in a stadium full of Maradona’s spirit. Their comfort grew as the tie moved toward its conclusion, even after a penalty from Zielinski in the second half extended the lead.
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Napoli produced another magical night this season. The team plays with freedom, as if pressure never finds them, as if they repeat these moments weekly, adding a new page to the club’s history with each performance.
Data sheet
3 – Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Kim (Juan Jesus, sub. 67), Mario Rui; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski (Ndombele, sub. 74); Politano (Lozano, sub. 67), Kvaratskhelia (Diamond, sub. 74) and Osimhen (Simeone, sub. 81).
0 – Eintracht Frankfurt: Trapp; Buta, Ndicka, Tuta; Knauff (Alidou, sub. 62), Rode (Jakic, sub. 74), Sow, Lenz (Max, sub. 67); Gotze, Kamada; Santos Borre.
goals: 1-0, 45+2: Osimhen; 2-0, 53: Osimhen; 3-0, 64(p): Zielinski;
referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG). Napoli’s Juan Jesus (77), Eintracht’s Ndicka (26), Lenz (32) cautioned Gotze (65).
events: The Champions League Round of 16 return leg will be played at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples.