European roundup: Napoli slip to Lazio loss, Dortmund edge Leipzig to go top

A second-half strike by midfielder Matías Vecino earned Lazio a 1-0 win over Napoli on Friday, ending the runaway Serie A leaders’ winning streak of eight games.

After a goalless first half, Lazio went in front in the 67th minute through Vecino, who picked up a ball cleared by the Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and sent a stunning first-time shot from a distance which flew inside Alex Meret’s near post.

It was the first goal that Napoli have conceded since January, and jolted Luciano Spalletti’s side into life after their attacking talents had failed to shine. The hosts pushed forward and Victor Osimhen headed against the bar with 11 minutes to go, with Lazio keeper Ivan Provedel denying Kim Min-jae on the rebound.

Napoli continued to press for an equaliser but Maurizio Sarri’s side held firm to move up to second in the table, still 17 points behind their opponents after inflicting the first home league loss of the season on Sarri’s former side. Internazionale in third and Milan, who are fourth, can cut the gap to 15 points with victories this weekend.

ᴀ ᴛʜᴜɴᴅᴇʀʙᴏʟᴛ ⚡️Lazio go ahead at the home of the Serie A league leaders! pic.twitter.com/ThlIdU5K5g

In the Bundesliga title race, Borussia Dortmund returned to the summit and stretched their perfect run in 2023 to eight straight league wins with a 2-1 home victory over RB Leipzig.

Dortmund, who take a 1-0 lead to Chelsea on Tuesday for their Champions League last 16 second-leg tie, scored twice from just three shots on goal, going ahead from the penalty spot in the 21st minute. Marco Reus was brought down by keeper Janis Blaswich in the box and the captain stepped up to drill in the penalty.

That came after Leipzig’s fit-again forward Christopher Nkunku, making his