Manchester City Claim Opening Game Victory Against 10-Man Napoli In UCL

 

Napoli had a disappointing start to the UEFA Champions League, despite Kevin de Bruyne making his debut in the competition, and lost to Manchester City 2-0  at Etihad Stadium. 

The Italian side lost its captain, Giovanni Lorenzo, to a red card offence in the first half, but they maintained a resolute approach to the game until the second half, when the hosts broke the deadlock. 

City took the lead in the second half from Erling Haaland's header. The Norwegian striker darted into the six-yard box as Phil Foden flicked a lob over and headed the ball into the corner of the left post. The Citizen doubled their tally from Jeremy Doku, who dribbled past two defenders and struck the ball down the bottom left post. 

Kevin de Bruyne left Manchester City as a free agent this summer and was replaced by Tijani Reijnders. The Belgian debut was short-lived following Lorenzo's dismissal. The defeat further extended Napoli's winless run  (13) against Premier League teams in any European competition.

Overview 

Manchester City had the better of the first half, but not in terms of scoring a goal. Napoli were forced deep into their own half, yet they managed to keep the scoreline even. Poitano almost scored an own goal from Rejinders' shot, but his goalkeeper reacted swiftly to save the ball on the touchline. 

Napoli were weakened by the dismissal of their captain, Giovanni Lorenzo, for his tackle on Haaland in the first half. Having to substitute Kevin de Bruyne for Matthias Olivera was a subsequent setback to the Italians. With a weakened midfield, they could not help but come under City's hammer as Haaland struck and Doku followed.