BERLIN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Leipzig progressed into the round of the last 16 despite losing 2-0 (3-3 on aggregate) against Napoli in the second leg of th UEFA Champions League on Thursday.
Napoli were unable to overturn Leipzig's 3-1 win from the first leg as goals from Piotr Zielinski and Lorenzo Insigne were not enough to advance into the next round after the Germans advanced on the away goal rule following a 3-3 on aggregate.
Knowing that only a win with a high scoreline would ensure a progression into the last 16, Napoli started on the front foot and pressed hosts Leipzig into defence in the first half. This meant Leipzig's goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi had to be on guard to deny Marek Hamsik and Lorenzo Insigne in the opening period.
Leipzig's custodian was hapless moments later when the Italian frontrunners opened the scoring after Piotr Zielinski tapped home a rebound following Insigne's effort in the 34th minute.
The hosts kept Napoli on the distance for most of the time and they were successful as the visitors forced their luck with long rang efforts. Meanwhile, Leipzig lacked in penetration, although Pepe Reina defused the host's only noteworthy chance from Timo Werner in the second half.
Napoli came to their second goal of the night as Insigne doubled the lead four minutes from the final whistle to ensure a frenetic closing period, as another goal would have eliminated Leipzig from the competition.
However, Ralph Hasenhuettl's men held firm and protected their away goal advantage to the end, to book their berth despite a 2-0 loss at the second leg.
"Napoli gave us a hard time today. We played against a very strong opponent. Nevertheless, I am very proud that we have progressed against such a team," Leipzig's head coach Ralph Hasenhuettl said.
"The game is over and our time in the Europa League too. It is a pity of course but we have shown some great character and that will be important for the remainder of the season," Napoli head coach Maurizio Sarri remarked.
