Napoli: Rafael; Maggio, Raúl Albiol, Koulibaly, Britos; Jorginho, Gargano; Insigne (Mertens 59’), Hamsik (Michu 77’), Callejon; Higuain. 4-2-3-1.
Athletic: Iraizoz, De Marcos, Laporte, Gurpegi, Balenziaga; Iturraspe (Erik Morán 88’), Mikel Rico; Susaeta (Ibai Gómez 79’), Beñat (San José 74’), Muniain; Aduriz. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
0-1. 42. Muniain. Controlled De Marcos cross and struck shot wide of Rafael.
1-1. 69. Higuaín. Picked up lofted Hamsik pass and beat Iraizoz with low shot.
A promising start for Athletic in their Champìons League qualifier, a 1-1 draw against Rafa Benítez’s Napoli giving them the advantage going in to next Wednesday’s return leg in their newly finished San Mamés stadium. The Basque side held off the early pressure, and Laporte headed a Beñat corner just wide before Muniain opened the scoring after controlling a De Marcos cross shortly before half time. Higuaín levelled the scores though with twenty minutes to go, and only a couple of late saves by Iraizoz from Mertens and Higuain prevented the Italians from taking the lead on the night.