Victor Osimhen, the forward for Napoli, was simply amazing when he scored both goals after the break to lead the Italians to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on March 15 and their first appearance in the Champions League quarterfinals.
The Nigerian international, who is 24 years old, also scored in their 2-0 victory over Eintracht in Germany with a header in the final minute of the first half.
After a quick four-pass Napoli combination in the 53rd minute, Osimhen scored with a tap-in for his 23rd goal in 28 games across all competitions, and Piotr Zielinski converted a penalty to earn a 5-0 aggregate victory.
After Inter and AC Milan, Napoli is the third Italian team to make it to the quarterfinals.
Luciano Spalletti, the coach of Napoli, had the following to say about Osimhen after the game:
“It wasn’t easy, but we managed to reach a historical goal for Napoli. I hope we enjoy it now with the whole team and together with the fans.”
“It is important to have the attitude we had tonight. At the beginning we didn’t have much quality, but we did well and didn’t concede.”
“Osimhen is a very strong footballer. He is able to cut behind defenders, and now he is also playing more with the team, and we’re happy.”
The hosts Napoli were in control from the beginning, and the Diego Maradona stadium was peaceful.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came very close to scoring in the 19th minute when he made a hasty run into the box. The Georgian was denied again in the 43rd minute when the winger’s close-range shot was kicked wide by keeper Kevin Trapp.
After receiving far too much space in the box, Osimhen was able to rise high and head in a measured Matteo Politano cross, which resulted in the opening goal of the second half.
Frankfurt, champions of the Europa League, needed three goals to win, but their two best strikers, Jesper Lindstrom, who was injured, and suspended Randal Kolo Muani, struggled against a well-drilled Napoli defense.
Osimhen scored once more as they were also under pressure from Napoli’s relentless pressing game. He became the first player for Napoli to score in both legs of a Champions League knockout match when he scored from close range to end any German comeback hopes.
Frankfurt was able to keep up with Napoli for a portion of the game, but the German team was broken when they lost possession before the goals.
Meanwhile, a police car was set on fire and fans threw stones at buses and police before the game in the Italian city.
German fans were banned from attending the game by Italian authorities due to fears of violence, but some Eintracht supporters nonetheless traveled to Italy.
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