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February 22, 2012 1:15 AM IST
Stadio San Paolo — Napoli
Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo
Attendance: 52495
Champions League Player Ratings: Napoli 3-1 Chelsea
Andre Villas-Boas' team need to score twice at Stamford Bridge in the second-leg to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after Lavezzi inspired the hosts to victory
Unconvincing when dealing with corners, but he competently dealt with Chelsea's long-range shots. Could do little to stop Mata's goal.
Looked fairly solid in defence for much of the evening, putting in a number of well-timed tackles on Chelsea attackers.
The most polished centre-back on view, although that was not saying much, with the standard of defending from both teams being pretty poor.
Energetic display down the left, although he was rarely able to beat his man when he got the ball down.
Provided the most abysmal piece of defending on a night of many rearguard errors as his effort went back over his head and landed perfectly for Mata, who opened the scoring.
Impressive display down the right for the hosts. He was always a threat with his marauding runs, while he almost gave Napoli a fourth goal as the right-wingback popped up in the penalty area late on.
Very quiet in comparison to deadly duo Cavani and Lavezzi, but his distribution and movement was shrewd before he was subbed late on.
Provided the foundations for Napoli's brilliant counter-attacking with a solid midfield display.
The most impressive midfielder on view. Pulled the strings and set up the second goal for Cavani with a lovely cross.
Struck terror into Chelsea's defence every time he was within five yards of the ball as he reinforced his reputation as an outstanding marksman. Shouldered in Napoli's second and provided the assists for Lavezzi's two strikes.
Lived up to his billing with an outstanding display of creating and finishing. Brilliantly worked Napoli's first goal and added their third. Caused mayhem with his movement, touch and vision until he was surprisingly withdrawn with 17 minutes left.
Slowed the game down for Napoli after replacing Lavezzi.
Replaced Hamsik late on to help Napoli protect their lead.
The overworked Czech made a fine early save from Cavani and a string of other smart reflex stops on a night when he was far busier than he would have liked.
Had the toughest assignment of the night, trying to stop the brilliant Lavezzi. Provided wholehearted commitment but struggled to counter the Argentine and blotted his copybook with his woeful attempt to stop Cavani pouncing for the second shortly before half-time.
His decision-making was highly questionable at times, particularly the bizarre decision not to whack the ball into the stands in the build-up to Napoli's third. Looked uncomfortable throughout.
Did not spend long enough on the pitch to prove Villas-Boas' team selection was right or wrong. Hobbled off with hamstring injury after 10 minutes.
Looked a bundle of nerves on his Champions League debut and his attempt to play the off-side trap against Napoli's front three proved wholly inadequate.
A danger roaming forward but struggled with his defensive duties alongside Meireles. Moved to the right flank for the last 20 minutes.
Struggled to get involved on the left flank, although there was the odd flash from the Frenchman, but not enough to make a difference.
Completely unsuited to his role tonight as he failed to offer any protection to the defence. His poor display was exemplified by his meek attempt to close down Lavezzi for the equaliser. Subbed with 20 minutes left.
Provided the classiest moments for Chelsea in a support striker role and demonstrated his excellent technique with a fine volleyed goal.
His commitment could not be questioned, but Chelsea's tactics did not get the best out of the Ivorian, who had needed to receive the ball quicker than he did.
Provided industry and flair on the right flank, although he played with his head down too often and was guilty of being a little selfish.
Surprisingly overlooked for a starting place despite being fit. He looked slugglish, but made a brilliant goal-line clearance late on.
Saw little of the ball after being charged with finding a late goal and did not get the opportunity that he thrives upon.
Bizarrely did not start the game and brought drive to the midfield when he was introduced without stemming the brilliant Napoli counter-attacks.
| Tournament | |
| Position | |
| Ranking |
| Rank/Player | Position | Team | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lionel Messi | Striker | Barcelona | 3.75 |
| 2. Oriol Romeu | Midfielder | Chelsea FC | 3.67 |
| 3. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | Striker | Arsenal | 3.63 |
| 4. Didier Drogba | Striker | Chelsea FC | 3.58 |
| 5. Xavi | Midfielder | Barcelona | 3.50 |
| 6. Yann Sommer | Goalkeeper | Basel | 3.50 |
| 7. Franck Ribéry | Midfielder | Bayern | 3.46 |
| 8. Kaká | Midfielder | Real Madrid | 3.44 |
| 9. Ezequiel Lavezzi | Striker | Napoli | 3.44 |
| 10. David Silva | Striker | Manchester City | 3.42 |
| 11. Karim Benzema | Striker | Real Madrid | 3.41 |
| 12. Wojciech Szczesny | Goalkeeper | Arsenal | 3.38 |
| 13. Raphaël Varane | Defender | Real Madrid | 3.38 |
| 14. Petr Cech | Goalkeeper | Chelsea FC | 3.38 |
| 15. Toni Kroos | Midfielder | Bayern | 3.36 |
| 16. Thomas Vermaelen | Defender | Arsenal | 3.36 |
| 17. Jérémy Mathieu | Defender | Valencia | 3.33 |
| 18. Ryan Giggs | Midfielder | Manchester United | 3.33 |
| 19. Robin van Persie | Striker | Arsenal | 3.33 |
| 20. Ramires | Midfielder | Chelsea FC | 3.33 |
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Lionel Messi
Striker Barcelona |
14 | 4 |
|
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Mario Gomez
Striker FC Bayern München |
13 | 0 |
|
|
Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker Real Madrid |
10 | 2 |
|
|
Karim Benzema
Striker Real Madrid |
7 | 0 |
|
|
Didier Drogba
Striker Chelsea |
6 | 0 |

