Europa League
Nov 6, 2014 8.05pm
3
0
HT : 1 0
FT
  • Jonathan de Guzman 45' goal
  • Jonathan de Guzman 67' goal
  • Jonathan de Guzman 85' goal

Half-Time Report: Late Jonathan de Guzman strike helps Napoli into slender advantage

Late De Guzman strike gifts Napoli lead

Jonathan de Guzman broke Young Boys' resistance on the stroke of half time as Napoli secured a 1-0 lead in tonight's Europa League clash at the Stadio San Paolo.

Having lost 2-0 to Uli Forte's side in Switzerland two weeks ago, it was clear that revenge was on the agenda for the Partenopei tonight as the Italians dominated the first 20 minutes.

Just over 14 minutes had elapsed before Napoli had their first of several chances of the opening half when goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo pulled off a fine save to deny Lorenzo Insigne.

Rafael Benitez's side continued in the same vein and De Guzman missed two opportunities in quick succession to fire his team ahead.

First, the ex-Swansea City man latched on to Duvan Zapata's ball before firing narrowly over the bar, before heading millimetres past the post a little later.

However, it was a case of third time lucky for the Dutchman, who slammed the ball past Mvogo from range to break Young Boys' resistance in timely fashion.

Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe