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Napoli's Cavani: We have beaten a major world power in Chelsea
Walter Mazzarri's men have put themselves in a great position to progress to the last eight of Europe's premier club competition on the back of a thrilling win at the San Paolo
Feb 22, 2012 7:36:00 AM
By Mark Doyle
Getty
Edinson Cavani was in good spirits after Napoli's 3-1 Champions League victory over Chelsea on Tuesday night, claiming that the Partenopei had overcome a major power in world football.
The Blues had gone into the game without a win in five games in all competitions, but the Uruguay international felt that Walter Mazzarri's men had made a real statement of intent during the last-16 first-leg clash at the San Paolo.
"Napoli have beaten a powerhouse of world football," Cavani declared on Sky Sport Italia after the game. "Now we have an additional awareness of our strength."
The forward played a key role in his side's triumph, scoring one goal before then setting Ezequiel Lavezzi up for his second, and Napoli's third.
However, the South American hitman was reluctant to accept too much praise for his performance.
"It was an extraordinary match by all [of us], not just me," Cavani argued. "We prepared to perfection and we saw the results tonight."
As for the unorthodox finish which put Napoli 2-1 up right on half-time, Cavani explained: "[Branislav] Ivanovic pushed me, the [Chelsea] defence wanted to run the ball out and then they realised that I was there. I scored with my shoulder!"
Napoli will now take a two-goal advantage into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 14.
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The Blues had gone into the game without a win in five games in all competitions, but the Uruguay international felt that Walter Mazzarri's men had made a real statement of intent during the last-16 first-leg clash at the San Paolo.
"Napoli have beaten a powerhouse of world football," Cavani declared on Sky Sport Italia after the game. "Now we have an additional awareness of our strength."
The forward played a key role in his side's triumph, scoring one goal before then setting Ezequiel Lavezzi up for his second, and Napoli's third.
However, the South American hitman was reluctant to accept too much praise for his performance.
"It was an extraordinary match by all [of us], not just me," Cavani argued. "We prepared to perfection and we saw the results tonight."
As for the unorthodox finish which put Napoli 2-1 up right on half-time, Cavani explained: "[Branislav] Ivanovic pushed me, the [Chelsea] defence wanted to run the ball out and then they realised that I was there. I scored with my shoulder!"
Napoli will now take a two-goal advantage into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 14.
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