Played
February 22, 2012 1:15 AM IST
Stadio San Paolo — Napoli
Referee:‬ Carlos Velasco Carballo‎
Attendance:‬ 52495‎
 
Juan Mata 27′
45+2′ Edinson Cavani
 
 
 
   
 
 

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

Morgan De Sanctis
32
18
2.5

Unconvincing when dealing with corners, but he competently dealt with Chelsea's long-range shots. Could do little to stop Mata's goal.

Salvatore Aronica
45
2
3.0

Looked fairly solid in defence for much of the evening, putting in a number of well-timed tackles on Chelsea attackers.

Hugo Armando Campagnaro
46
6
3.0

The most polished centre-back on view, although that was not saying much, with the standard of defending from both teams being pretty poor.

Juan Camilo Zúñiga
37
5
3.0

Energetic display down the left, although he was rarely able to beat his man when he got the ball down.

Paolo Cannavaro
28
18
2.5

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.

Christian Maggio
63
3
3.5

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.

Marek Hamsik
53
13
3.0

Very quiet in comparison to deadly duo Cavani and Lavezzi, but his distribution and movement was shrewd before he was subbed late on.

W. Gargano
49
3
3.0

Provided the foundations for Napoli's brilliant counter-attacking with a solid midfield display.

Gökhan Inler
71
1
3.5

The most impressive midfielder on view. Pulled the strings and set up the second goal for Cavani with a lovely cross.

Edinson Cavani
143
3
3.5

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.

Ezequiel Lavezzi
Top of the Match
168
6
4.0

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 Caused mayhem with his movement, touch and vision until he was surprisingly withdrawn with 17 minutes left.

• Substitutions
Blerim Dzemaili
37
4
3.0

Slowed the game down for Napoli after replacing Lavezzi.

Goran Pandev
38
10
3.0

Replaced Hamsik late on to help Napoli protect their lead.

Petr Cech
28
37
3.0

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.

Branislav Ivanovic
Flop of the Match
43
69
2.0

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.

David Luiz
22
67
2.5

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.

José Bosingwa
15
39
N/A

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.

Gary Cahill
16
61
2.0

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.

Ramires
16
56
2.5

A danger roaming forward but struggled with his defensive duties alongside Meireles. Moved to the right flank for the last 20 minutes.

Florent Malouda
12
53
2.5

Struggled to get involved on the left flank, although there was the odd flash from the Frenchman, but not enough to make a difference.

Raúl Meireles
22
55
2.0

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.

Juan Mata
81
27
3.5

Provided the classiest moments for Chelsea in a support striker role and demonstrated his excellent technique with a fine volleyed goal.

Didier Drogba
31
53
2.5

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.

Daniel Sturridge
29
50
3.0

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.

• Substitutions
Ashley Cole
27
27
3.0

Surprisingly overlooked for a starting place despite being fit. He looked slugglish, but made a brilliant goal-line clearance late on.

Frank Lampard
16
39
2.5

Saw little of the ball after being charged with finding a late goal and did not get the opportunity that he thrives upon.

Michael Essien
20
38
3.0

Bizarrely did not start the game and brought drive to the midfield when he was introduced without stemming the brilliant Napoli counter-attacks.

Results
 
Match News
Player Ratings
Tournament
Position
Ranking
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Lionel Messi Lionel Messi
Striker
Barcelona
14 4
Mario Gomez Mario Gomez
Striker
FC Bayern München
13 0
Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker
Real Madrid
10 2
Karim Benzema Karim Benzema
Striker
Real Madrid
7 0
Didier Drogba Didier Drogba
Striker
Chelsea
6 0