Napoli on cruise control to build first-leg lead over Eintracht Frankfurt

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Goals from Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Di Lorenzo sealed a comfortable 2-0 win for Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

The runaway Serie A leaders weathered an early storm to seize control then cruised home after the hosts had Randal Kolo Muani sent off for a reckless challenge shortly before the hour mark.

Frankfurt had started confidently with Kolo Muani flashing an effort across the face of goal, but Napoli, coming off a run of seven straight domestic victories, soon clicked into gear.

Over-worked home keeper Kevin Trapp saved well to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then pushed aside a 35th-minute penalty from the same player after Osimhen was tripped by Aurelio Buta in the box.

Frankfurt’s respite lasted just five minutes before Osimhen converted a low cross from Hirving Lozano to give Napoli the lead – which the same player thought he had doubled moments later only to be flagged for offside.

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Napoli stepped up their dominance after the break with Trapp once again called upon to punch away a Lozano effort as well as another drive from Kvaratskhelia.

Kolo Muani’s poor challenge on Frank Anguissa on 58 minutes gave Frankfurt a mountain to climb, and Napoli’s inevitable second arrived soon afterwards.

A piece of individual brilliance from Kvaratskhelia served up an opportunity for Di Lorenzo to convert as Napoli ensured they would finish the first leg well in control.

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