UEFA Champions League: Napoli 2-1 Borussia Dortmund - Talking Points

Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Champions League Group F match between Napoli and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio San Paolo on September 18, 2013 in Naples, Italy. (Getty Images)

Borussia Dortmund were shocked by an inspiring display from Napoli at the San Paolo in Naples. Down two to nothing until the 86^th minute, 10-man Dortmund did forge a late fight back when Christian Zuniga’s bizarre own goal gave them hope of completing an unlikely turnaround. But the Serie A side held on for the victory.

The game produced a few talking points in itself.

Is Napoli the Dortmund of this Champions League?

We all remember the fashion in which Borussia Dortmund marched into the final in May with a swaggering style of play. It took the whole of Europe somewhat by surprise.

Considering Napoli’s performance against Dortmund, they may as well turn out to be the dark horses of this year’s Champions League. Riding on the back of a 100% start to the season, their play was full of confidence.

They remain unbeaten at home in the Champions League, having won five and drawn three from eight games.

Rafael Benitez’s strong influence on Napoli

Benitez has been in charge of Napoli for almost two months now, and already results have been obtained out of plans. The playing styles under previous manager Walter Mazzarri and Benitez differ hugely and a sense of freshness has returned to the team.

That Benitez is a tactical maestro is no doubt, and now his team has produced results to ascertain his leadership.He named a strong, attacking line-up against Dortmund including the likes of Marek Hamsik, Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon, to ascertain the attacking mentality of the team and to establish that he is in for winning.

Napoli’s striker potential coming of age

The signing of Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid has strengthened the strike force of Napoli. Insigne, Callejon and Higuain are among the main strikers.

But it was Insignem, who was a constant threat on the left for Dortmund throughout the game, and his exceptional, curled free-kick from 25 yards doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 67^th minute.

The Italy international exploited Dortmund’s weakness on the right side of defense, linking well with Gokhan Inler and Higuain throughout the game, being rightly named Man of the Match afterwards.

Benitez-spot on in Europe

While he seems to struggle on the domestic front, Benitez, more often than not, seems to carve out a meaningful result in Europe, be it with Liverpool or Napoli.

Immensely experienced and motivated, Benitez could create some history of his own if he can deliver a European trophy with Napoli.

Refereeing indecision?

Jurgen Klopp was unhappy with the fourth official that Neven Subotic, who had received treatment for a head wound, was allowed back on after a lot of time.That cost Dortmund the opening goal as a quick corner routine saw Higuain give the Italian side the lead.

Klopp protests sent him to the stands on the stroke of half-time but the coach, usually known for his cool and calm demeanor, later apologised for his uninviting behavior, calling it “pathetic” and said he felt like a “clown”.