Europa League

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Europa League | Group Stage

Nov 6, 2014 at 8.05pm UK

Napoli
3-0
Young Boys

de Guzman (45', 67', 85')

FT(HT: 1-0)

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

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 06 November 2014

Jonathan de Guzman fires a 45th-minute opener past Young Boys as Napoli secure a slender 1-0 lead at half time in their Europa League clash.

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.