On Wednesday evening, the leaders of the Italian Serie A in Group A prevailed in a gripping duel against the Dutch soccer champions Ajax Amsterdam 4: 2 (2: 0). Club Brugge, meanwhile, continued their fairy tale in Group B, rising early with a 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid.
Hirving Lozano with a header (4′) and Giacomo Raspadori with a shot into the short cross corner (16′) provided Napoli with clear conditions early on in the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Shortly after the change of sides, Davy Klaassen (49th) scored the goal with a header. The Georgian super talent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the 21-year-old is already called “Kvaradona” in Naples, increased with a hand penalty (62nd). ÖFB legionnaire Florian Grillitsch came on as a substitute at Ajax in the 64th minute. Steven Bergwijn ensured an exciting final phase with a penalty kick (83rd), Victor Osimhen (90th) made the decision on his comeback.
The Italians celebrated a 6-1 win at Ajax last week, and Glasgow Rangers (3-0) and Liverpool (4-1) have not had a chance against Luciano Spalletti’s side either. Napoli remained unbeaten in their 13th game of the season and won their ninth competitive game in a row.
In Madrid, Atletico pressed the opening goal for long stretches. The Belgians sent Kamal Sowah off with a yellow card shortly before the end (82′). The strong Antoine Griezmann, whose fixed transfer from FC Barcelona to the Rojiblancos became official on Monday, failed several times in a promising position (14th/37th/50th). The ball bounced twice in the Belgian net, but both times Angel Correa (24’/47′) was ruled offside.
An alleged penalty foul by Atletico’s Nahuel Molina on Tajon Buchanan caused a stir, but according to the video images referee Danny Makkelie correctly withdrew his decision (43′). Shortly before the end, Alvaro Morata missed the match point from a short distance (88th). With ten points from four games, Bruges can no longer be pushed out of the top two.
Source: Nachrichten
