Football: Napoli out of Champions League despite beating Arsenal

Napoli's Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain (centre) kicks to score during the Uefa Champion's League group F football match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples on Dec 11, 2013. Napoli were robbed of a place in the C
Napoli's Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain (centre) kicks to score during the Uefa Champion's League group F football match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples on Dec 11, 2013. Napoli were robbed of a place in the Champions League last 16 despite beating Premier League leaders Arsenal 2-0 at a half-empty San Paolo on Wednesday. -- PHOTO: AFP

(REUTERS) - Napoli were robbed of a place in the Champions League last 16 despite beating Premier League leaders Arsenal 2-0 at a half-empty San Paolo on Wednesday.

Gonzalo Higuain scored the first for Napoli in the 73rd minute as the hosts came to life after a dismal opening hour which Arsenal controlled without looking like scoring. Jose Callejon scored in injury time for Napoli but it was not enough.

Borussia Dortmund's 87th-minute goal to beat Marseille 2-1 meant all three teams finished on 12 points in Group F but Napoli missed out.

It was the 14th season in a row that Arsenal, who had captain Mikel Arteta sent off for a second bookable offence in the 75th minute, have reached the last 16.

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