Football

Napoli held by Union Berlin to put qualification hopes in doubt

 

Napoli on Wednesday failed to secure a ticket to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League after being held by Union Berlin at the Diego Maradona stadium.

Matteo Politano had given the hosts the lead, but they were caught out on the counter-attack for a disappointing draw with Union Berlin.

Azzurri, which lost 2-3 to Real Madrid in the same stadium, now have 7 points from four games, with Union Braga and Madrid being their next Champions League home and away fixtures, respectively.

The Germans got the first chance of the game, but Sheraldo Becker’s shot was a weak one straight at Alex Meret.

Napoli upped the tempo with Piotr Zielinski and Raspadori shots deflected onto the side-netting from tight angles.

Napoli were close to opening the goal chart within 24 minutes when Natan’s header from a Kvicha Kvaratskhelia corner thumped the base of the far post.

They went closer in scoring when in-form striker, Giacomo Raspadori rolled across the six-yard box for Giovanni Di Lorenzo, but the tap-in was intercepted.

 Napoli thought they had finally scored when they had the ball in the net on 30 minutes when Di Lorenzo nodded down a Mario Rui cross for Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa to head in from point-blank range. 

The goal was, however, chalked off following a VAR on-field review for Di Lorenzo’s push on Jerome Roussillon.

Napoli were also unlucky as  Politano’s strike accidentally deflected off target by Raspadori.

 However, luck was on his side soon after, as they finally scored. Mario Rui’s cross from the left was deflected by Josip Juranovic and bounced into the net off Politano’s face from close range to give the hosts the lead.

The visitors almost scored with the last lick of the half when Juranovic’s free-kick split through the defensive wall and struck the base of the far post with Meret beaten.

After the restart, Napoli continued their flurry of attacks to put the game to bed, as Kvaratskhelia dribbled through a crowd only for the Zielinski shot to be charged down.

Their quest for the second left them wide open to the counter-attack, and were punished when David Fofana sprinted away. He set up Becker for a curler palmed away with one hand by Meret, then being ready to turn in the rebound for the equaliser.

Napoli continued the attack in search of a winner, but Union Berlin remained dangerous on the counter.

It became a wide-open affair in stoppages, but none of them could get a winner.

Written by Oladipupo Mojeed

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

NBA: Warriors’ De’Anthony Melton to Miss Season with Knee Surgery

Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn… Read More

November 21, 2024

Juan Mata Becomes First Active International Footballer to Join MLS Ownership with San Diego FC

World Cup-winning Spanish footballer Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Millot may join PSG as French champions react to Yamal link

Since joining VfB Stuttgart from AS Monaco at a young age, Enzo Millot has thrived… Read More

November 21, 2024

Top three talking points for Premier League’s return

With the final international break of 2024 done and dusted, league football can resume across… Read More

November 21, 2024

PGA Tour introduces new changes ahead for 2026

The PGA Tour has announced significant changes to its eligibility criteria and tournament structures, set… Read More

November 21, 2024

Barcelona to endure lengthy Yamal absence

Spanish La Liga club Barcelona may have to endure a lengthy absence for Spanish winger… Read More

November 21, 2024