Raspadori and Simeone have been spectacular in recent weeks, but the Sheriff is back to claim his spot
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen came off the bench to score for Napoli upon his return from injury to help the Partenopeans claim a 4-2 win against Bassey’s Ajax.
Osimhen returned to Napoli’s matchday squad after missing his side’s last five games because of a hamstring injury.
Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti started Osimhen from the bench, while Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey got the nod to start in defense for Ajax.
The Partenopeans had the upper hand going into the tie, as they beat the Dutch giants 6-1 when both sides met in the first leg last week.
Napoli wasted no time in showing their strength, as Hirving Lozano put the Naples giants in front after just four minutes.
Before Bassey and his teammates could regroup, Napoli hit again through Giacomo Raspadori, who has been in great form in recent weeks.
Napoli kept pushing to add to their tally, but Ajax held on till half time.
The Godenzonen started the second half with a lot of fire and within four minutes into the half, they pulled one back.
Super Eagles star supplied a well-weighted cross to Davy Klaasen, who promptly sent it to the back of the net with a beautiful header.
Osimhen was introduced into the game in the 50th minute in place of Raspadori. And within 12 minutes, the Partenopeans won a penalty. Khvicha Kvaratshkelia made no mistake from the spot, as he fired past Remko Pasveer to make it 3-1.
After conceding a third, Ajax piled pressure upon pressure on the Partenopeans’ defense, and they were rewarded with a penalty which Steven Bergwijn dispatched calmly to make it 3-2 with seven minutes left.
It was a nervy end to the game, but Napoli’s hero without a cape was there to ensure there was no heartbreak.
Osimhen’s hungry and tireless pressing paid off, as he forced a mistake from Daley Blind and fired the ball into an empty net to ensure it ended 4-2 at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
The victory seals Napoli’s spot in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
For Osimhen, his goal was timely as Spalletti would surely have a headache choosing between him and Raspadori.
