Braga 1-2 Napoli: Osimhen and teammates survive scare to return to winning ways

Victor Osimhen celebrates with his Napoli teammates this season. (Photo Credit: Vidi/X)

Braga 1-2 Napoli: Osimhen and teammates survive scare to return to winning ways

Izuchukwu Akawor 22:01 - 20.09.2023

SSC Napoli survived away at Braga in the Champions League, but it was a night to forget for Nigeria's Victor Osimhen.

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen had an unlucky day at the office as SSC Napoli returned to winning ways in Portugal in the UEFA Champions League, UCL. 

Osimhen featured for 90 minutes as Napoli relied on an own goal to defeat Braga 2-1 in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night.

https://twitter.com/en_sscnapoli/status/1704601398099271959

Giovanni Di Lorenzo scored for Napoli while Bruma equalised for Braga before an unfortunate own goal from Sikou Niakate proved to be the decisive difference between the team.

Osimhen vs Braga

It was an unlucky evening for Nigeria’s Osimhen as his Napoli goal drought to three matches across all competitions despite a man of the match performance.

Victor Osimhen with the man of the match award. (Photo Credit: Napoli/X)

The 24-year-old had an off day despite attempting nine shots, with one of them rattling the Braga post in the first half. 

Osimhen also missed the best chance of the game with the goalkeeper at his mercy just five minutes into the game. 

Osimhen attempted 9 shots against Braga in the Champions League. (Photo Credit: Napoli/X)

He also watched his header cleared off the line but was involved in the build-up to the opener when he headed a ball from Matteo Politano which fell kindly for Di Lorenzo to finish.

What the win means

These two teams went into their first Champions League game of the season hoping to ease their domestic worries with a win. 

Bruma's equaliser proved to be just a consolation. (Photo Credit: Braga/X)

While Braga suffered a shock 3-1 defeat in Portugal, Napoli escaped a defeat at Genoa with a draw in the Serie A. 

However, it was Napoli who returned to winning ways courtesy of an unfortunate late own goal. 

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Rudi Garcia’s men will feel lucky to get off the mark while after an 11-year hiatus, Braga’s return to the Champions League ended in a disappointing defeat. 

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