Motherwell 2-0 Hibs
Talisman rises to the occasion in Champions League
Scott McTominay inspired Napoli to an important Champions League win - exactly a week on from igniting Scotland’s sensational victory over Denmark to reach the World Cup.
However, it was not such a good night for his Danish clubmate Rasmus Hojlund, who missed a penalty before Napoli pulled away to defeat Azeri side Qarabag 2-0 at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Tuesday night.
Napoli needed a win to maintain their hopes of finishing in the top 24 and advancing to the knock-out stages and after five rounds of fixtures, the Serie A title holders have seven points.
Scott McTominay netted the opener for Napoli in their 2-0 win over Qarabag.placeholder image
Scott McTominay netted the opener for Napoli in their 2-0 win over Qarabag. | AFP via Getty Images
Following a cagey first half in Naples, the hosts were handed a great chance to take the lead on 56 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. However, Man Utd loanee’s Hojlund’s effort was repelled by Qarabag keeper Mateusz Kochalski.
Hojlund had scored from the spot early in the second half for Denmark at Hampden past Scotland keeper Craig Gordon, but ended up on the wrong side of the outcome. This time, he was able to celebrate a victory.
That was down to McTominay, who scored Scotland’s opener with a majestic overhead kick at the beginning of the win over Denmark last Tuesday. He finally broke Qarabag resistance with an altogether less beautiful strike when he prodded home from close range on 65 minutes after a goalmouth scramble and then Mark Jankovic netted an own goal seven minutes later to settle the match after McTominay’s attempt at a bicycle kick - again - struck the unfortunate defender.
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Napoli are now 18th in the standings and face Benfica, FC Copenhagen and Chelsea in their remaining three league phase matches.
Antonio Conte’s men were once again without another Scotland internationalist Billy Gilmour, who continues to be sidelined by a groin issue. The former Rangers man is a major doubt for Sunday’s Serie A clash with leaders Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.