LEWANDOWSKI & OSIMHEN
One goal was for both goalscorers in Naples. Lewandowski scores for the fourth game in a row, another class goal after the weekend’s gem against Celta. Osimhen had not scored for Napoli since December 2023. The return match will probably be decided by whoever is in the best form in three weeks. Right now, Lewandowski looks sharper.
WILL THE REAL ARSENAL PLEASE STAND UP?
Five games in 2024, 21 goals scored, with those conditions, Arsenal would show that they are worth mentioning as one of the bigger favorites for the CL title after City and Real. Porto took a well-deserved victory and should have used their chances better. Porto shows that experience counts in the Champions League and Galeno moved up into joint top scorers in the Champions League. He has scored five goals in six games in the tournament and missed a double chance in the first half. Arsenal basically only created chances from set pieces and Arteta certainly can’t be happy with anything from tonight in Portugal.
THE MISERABILITY OF THE MASTERS
It’s hard to believe that it was the Spanish and Italian champions who met tonight at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples. Bad passes, bad decisions and two teams that lack courage. Last year’s Napoli, which took the entire football world by storm, has been blown away, despite the fact that Francesco Calzona had a perfectly okay start to his adventure with today’s draw. Last season Barca had La Liga’s and Europe’s best defense, it’s like blown away. You are far from the league title in Spain, on the bonus account you are further to the eighth in the Champions League and a win in the return against Napoli can make up for part of everything that has gone wrong this season. The same certainly applies to Napoli, which makes the second leg a hot one.
OLDEST AND YOUNGEST
Porto’s Pepe became the oldest (40 years, 360 days) player to play in the knockout stages of the Champions League. His Porto also kept a clean sheet at home against Arsenal and Pepe had a good game. Lamine Yamal became the youngest (16 years, 223 days) player ever to play a knockout match in the tournament. Contrasts, but two very skilled players.
POSITIVE HOUR FOR CAJUST
Jens Cajuste started for Napoli after coach Calzona’s entry into the club. The Swede was responsible for a solid effort and was only replaced when Napoli was behind and needed to chase goals.
