Europa League: Guilavogui Admits Wolfsburg Outclassed After Heavy Napoli Defeat
Wolfsburg’s Europa League campaign is hanging by a thread after a humbling 4-1 home defeat to Napoli in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Thursday.
The German side, who had impressed in earlier rounds of the competition, were a shadow of themselves against the Italian visitors, who took full advantage of a disjointed Wolfsburg performance to seize control of the tie.
French international Josuha Guilavogui, who started in midfield, did not mince words following the defeat, acknowledging Napoli’s superiority.
“Napoli were the better team,” Guilavogui told UEFA.com. “It was a collective defeat. We tried, but we came up against an experienced side that was patient and hit us with fast counterattacks.”
Wolfsburg, who had reached the quarter-finals on the back of solid performances and attacking flair, were punished for defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion. Napoli’s ruthless execution in front of goal has left the Bundesliga side with a near-impossible task in the second leg in Italy.
Guilavogui, 24, who is of Guinean descent, has been a key figure in Wolfsburg’s midfield this season, known for his composure and tactical discipline. However, on the night, he and his teammates found themselves overwhelmed by a clinical and well-organised Napoli side.
The German club will now need a miracle in the return leg to reach the semi-finals — a scenario few would have predicted given their earlier form in the tournament.
As things stand, Wolfsburg may have to turn their attention back to the domestic league, where they remain in contention for a top-four finish and a Champions League spot.
For Napoli, the emphatic result puts them firmly on course for a semi-final berth, underlining their credentials as one of the competition’s favourites.
