Napoli collapses in the 63rd minute: new rule blocks comeback

In the match between Villarreal and Napoli, the hope of a European evening lasted only eight minutes at the Estadio de la Cerámica, before the new rule at the 63rd minute extinguished the Napoli's momentum.

Rrahmani's goal and Allegri's reaction

Amir Rrahmani produced a predatory strike that seemed the calling card of an exhilarating night and the first international success of Massimiliano Allegri's management. However, the illusion was quickly erased by a defensive and mental blackout.

The attacking start of Napoli gave way to a defensive void, while between the 23' and 26' of the first half Villarreal turned the match's inertia thanks to Matteo Politano's error and Santiago Mourinho's missile.

Rafa Marín at the centre of the debate: Villarreal ready to bring him back to Napoli

At the 60' Napoli attempts substitutions with Lang, Neres and Spinazzola, but the result remains uncertain. A chance at the 62' for the 2-2 goes off Di Lorenzo's post, while Saliba slightly anticipates Spinazzola.

At the 63' minute the new rule comes into play: Inigo Perez delays the substitutions, referee Siebert applies the power play and Villarreal remains with nine, leaving Napoli struggling also in ball management.

Napoli's reaction was described as absurd, as they failed to exploit even a temporary double numerical superiority to create a moment of pride.