Napoli pips Nice to Champions League group stage
Napoli secured a return to the UEFA Champions League group stages as Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne's second-half goals earned a 2-0 win at Nice for a 4-0 aggregate triumph.
Nice had it all to do if they were to qualify for the competition proper for the first time since 1959-1960 but in truth it was second-best for much of Wednesday's (AEST) encounter at the Allianz Riviera.
Napoli, which won its group last season before being dumped out by eventual champion Real Madrid in the last 16, could have extended its overall advantage before the interval with Kalidou Koulibaly, Insigne and Callejon all going close.
Callejon's chance was the most presentable of those but the Spaniard made up for that miss three minutes into the second period when he tapped home Marek Hamsik's excellent low cross from close range.
Nice was temporarily down to 10 men at the time, with Mario Balotelli over by the touchline receiving attention, but neither he nor fellow Champions League winner Wesley Sneijder could inspire Nice, who must content itself with a place in the UEFA Europa League.
Insigne curled a shot against the post almost immediately after Callejon's opener, but did get his name on the scoresheet a minute from time by rifling in from the edge of the box.
Sevilla survived a real scare against Istanbul Basaksehir, progressing 4-3 on aggregate after a nervy 2-2 draw at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
After losing the home leg 2-1, the Turkish side struck first through Eljero Elia before Sergio Escudero and Wissam Ben Yedder put Sevilla in front. The visitor was not done yet, but could not find the crucial third away goal they craved following Edin Visca's 83rd-minute effort.
Meanwhile, Marko Marin scored the only goal in Croatia as Olympiacos secured a 3-1 aggregate win over Rijeka.
Mitja Viler's strike proved enough for Maribor to defeat Hapoel Be'er Sheva 1-0 and qualify on away goals following a 2-1 loss last week.
