The German Legionnaires trio with national team captain Ilkay Gündogan as well as keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and offensive ace Kai Havertz can hope to reach the quarter-finals in the Champions League.
Gündogan and ter Stegen managed to draw 1-1 (0-0) with FC Barcelona at SSC Naples, while Havertz and Arsenal FC still made it into the round despite a late 0-1 (0-0) draw at FC Porto best eight can do. The decisions in both pairings will be made in the second leg on March 12th (Tuesday).
First Lewandowski scores, then Oshimen
In Naples, ex-world footballer Robert Lewandowski’s second goal of the season (60th) in the premier class was not enough to give the Catalans the cushion they had hoped for for the second leg. Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen equalized on his comeback after almost two months and the simultaneous debut of new coach Francesco Calzona (75th). In Porto, Champions League top scorer Galeno shocked the Havertz team in stoppage time (90+4).
The Spanish star ensemble from Barcelona initially had more of a share of the game in the duel between the struggling champions and the Italian champions, but left the opportunities that almost inevitably arose unused. Napoli came into the game better 48 hours after the dismissal of their previous coach Walter Mazzarri in the middle of the first half, but had no significant opportunities.
After the break, Barça increased the pressure again. Lewandowski’s goal was almost logical. Naples’ equalizer through Osimhen, who returned to the team of Maradona’s former club after a suspension and a deportation from the African Cup, came practically out of nowhere.
Gunners oppressively superior – but with no chance to score in the first half
Havertz was barely able to develop in Porto before the break. Although the Gunners had an almost overwhelming amount of possession, they did not create a single opportunity. The Portuguese hosts, on the other hand, could have taken the lead with a relief attack, but Galeno only hit the post and placed the rebound completely free next to the London goal (21st).
Arsenal remained superior in the second half. However, the Premier League third place was extremely unimaginative. Meanwhile, Porto concentrated on its defense and rarely carried the ball forward – until Galeno secured the very lucky victory with a remarkable shot in the final seconds.
Narrow success for Inter
Inter Milan had a narrow win against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Marko Arnautovic was spot on after a save from Atletico keeper Oblak.
The Italians narrowly won 1-0, with Arnatovic scoring in the 79th minute. This means that a draw in the second leg on March 13th in the Spanish capital would be enough for last year’s finalists to advance.
Before kick-off, the spectators in Milan applauded Andreas Brehme farewell. The former world champion played for Inter from 1988 to 1992, which is why the Milan team wore mourning. Brehme died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday night.
Inter game-determining against Atletico
Inter dominated the game, Atletico defended with concentration and uncompromising as usual. Chances to score were rare. It took until the 36th minute before Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak had to intervene for the first time with a header from Lautaro Martinez. Just two minutes later, the Argentine world champion missed the game’s first top-class chance after a clever pass from ex-Gladbach player Marcus Thuram.
After the break, Inter increased the pressure, but Atletico continued to hold firm. Substitute Arnautovic had the lead for the Nerazzurri, but after a one-two with Martinez he put the ball over the crossbar (64′). Then the Austrian dusted himself off after Oblak blocked a shot from Martinez right at his feet.