Napoli slides into Champions League knockouts

• Napoli hosted Braga in match week six of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage
• The Serie A side were in poor form heading into the match yet they needed a win to book their slot in the knockout stages
• A 2-0 goal victory meant Napoli secured a place in the knockout stages coming second in the group

Napoli put an end to a turbulent beginning under the stewardship of new coach Walter Mazzarri and found solace in a resounding 2-0 triumph over Braga, securing their coveted berth in the Champions League knockout stage. The specter of three successive defeats since Mazzarri assumed the reins from Rudi Garcia had cast a shadow over Napoli’s campaign, fostering an air of uncertainty and eroding the team’s confidence. However, as the high-stakes encounter with Braga unfolded, Napoli’s fortunes took a decisive turn for the better.

Entering the crucial clash, Napoli found themselves in a precarious position, aware that only a draw would suffice to stave off Braga’s ambitions of seizing second place in Group C. A silver lining existed for Napoli, even in the scenario of a one-goal defeat, courtesy of their superior head-to-head record, a testament to their earlier 2-1 triumph on Portuguese soil.

The pivotal moment arrived in the ninth minute, as Serdar Saatci inadvertently etched his name into the narrative. A swiftly executed throw-in facilitated Matteo Politano’s incursion into the right side of the penalty area, his sights set on delivering a low cut-back to the waiting Victor Osimhen. However, Saatci’s desperate attempt to intercept the cross backfired spectacularly. His awkward block inadvertently redirected the ball into the ground, propelling it off the underside of the crossbar and ultimately crossing the goal line. Napoli, propelled by this fortuitous own goal, found themselves with a vital early lead, injecting a much-needed boost to a team that had managed just one victory in their last six outings.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring against Braga in a UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. | PHOTO: ESPN |

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Undeterred by the setback, Braga pressed forward, seeking to rectify the scoreline. Ricardo Horta, in particular, tested Napoli’s resilience by forcing goalkeeper Alex Meret into a spectacular save that saw the ball rebound off the crossbar. Meanwhile, Braga’s shot-stopper Matheus Magalhaes demonstrated his mettle by denying Piotr Zielinski at close range, preventing Napoli from further extending their advantage.

Victor Osimhen, recently crowned African Player of the Year after his exploits in Morocco, justified his accolade by adding Napoli’s second goal in the 33rd minute. Natan, typically a center-back but temporarily deployed on the left, embarked on a surging run, creating space in the penalty area before delivering a tantalizing cross to the awaiting Nigerian international. Despite the ball being slightly behind Osimhen, his inventive drag-back maneuver sent it goalward via his standing leg from six yards out. Matheus managed to get a hand to it, but he couldn’t thwart its trajectory, and Napoli’s lead was further solidified.

As the first half unfolded, Braga’s goalkeeper continued to be the focal point of Napoli’s offensive onslaught. Matheus showcased his shot-stopping prowess by tipping over Politano’s curling effort with his left foot and thwarting Osimhen’s bid for a second goal. The resilience of the Portuguese side, however, was evident as they sought to mount a comeback.

With 11 minutes remaining, Horta came agonizingly close to reducing the deficit, striking the foot of the post in a last-ditch effort to salvage Braga’s Champions League aspirations. However, the fates had other plans, and as Real Madrid staged a late resurgence to overcome Union Berlin, Braga’s consolation prize materialized in the form of a ticket to the Europa League.

In conclusion, Napoli’s triumphant performance against Braga not only secured their passage to the Champions League knockout stage but also served as a pivotal moment in their campaign under Mazzarri. The early own goal, coupled with Osimhen’s clinical finishing, epitomized Napoli’s newfound attacking flair. While Braga fought valiantly, their destiny now lies in the Europa League, as Napoli marches forward with renewed confidence, eager to make their mark on the European stage.