Champions League play-offs: Napoli beats Nice; Sevilla victorious in Istanbul

Ten clubs took the pitch on Wednesday looking to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, and, following five first legs across Europe, a picture is emerging of who will be involved in the draw.

Napoli 2-0 Nice

In one of the two play-offs boasting two clubs from European football’s top five leagues, SSC Napoli defeated OGC Nice, who ended with nine players, 2-0 at Stadio San Paolo. Away supporters weren’t allowed to attend the game, which may have been for the best as it spared them from witnessing red cards to Vincent Koziello and Alassane Plea, both of whom were sent off following a dangerous tackle by the former. Dries Mertens continued his phenomenal form in the Champions League by opening the scoring, while Jorginho converted a penalty kick.

Istanbul Basaksehir 1-2 Sevilla

Jesus Navas’ first competitive touch since returning to Sevilla was an assist. It was that type of night for the Andalusian club, which left Turkey’s capital with a 2-1 win at Istanbul Basaksehir, making its debut in the Champions League. A cold-blooded shot by Sergio Escudero produced the match’s first goal, and the lead was restored by Wissam Ben Yedder just one minute after Navas took the pitch.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-1 Maribor

Hapoel Be’er Sheva turned things around in Israel, scoring two goals after NK Maribor drew first blood in the 10th minute. Anthony Nwakaeme manufactured a world-class volley to equalise, and Shir Tzedek blasted a penalty into the top corner just before the interval.

Celtic 5-0 Astana

Celtic qualified for the Champions League’s group stage with a game to spare, thrashing Astana 5-0 in Scotland. Its result was a tad flattering, as two own goals were scored while the third came after a nasty clash of heads between Tom Rogic and Yuri Logvinenko. Nonetheless, the Bhoys will be happy about the second leg being merely a formality.

Olympiacos 2-1 Rijeka

Olympiacos BC came from behind and scored in second-half stoppage time to claim a 2-1 victory versus HNK Rijeka at Karaiskaki Stadium. After the Croatian club was put at a disadvantage when Leonard Zuta was shown a red card, the Thrylos sent its supporters into a frenzy in the 93rd minute, as Alaixys Romao headed home a scramble in the penalty area.