Napoli vs. Real Madrid: 2-3
"Napoli vs. Real Madrid: 2-3" in the 2023/2024 Champions League Group C match was fierce. With a five-goal drama ensued, and Real Madrid became winners.
Playing at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Naples, Napoli, and Real Madrid attacked each other from the start. The hosts fell behind in the first half after Leo Ostigard's goals were countered by Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
In the second half, Napoli had equalized the score through Piotr Zielinski's penalty, but Alex Meret's mistake ensured Real Madrid regained the lead 3-2 until the end.
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| Jude Bellingham has scored in both appearances in the Champions League this season (Photo: Getty Images) |
This result makes Real Madrid lead Group C with 6 points from two matches. Real Madrid are ahead of Napoli (3), SC Braga (3), and Union Berlin (0).
The course of the match "Napoli vs Real Madrid"
Attacking each other was inevitable from the first half. Napoli and Real Madrid took turns pressing from the beginning of the game.
In the 4th minute, Matteo Politano made the first threat against Madrid. However, his efforts were still muted by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Also, read: Fulham vs. Chelsea: 0-2.
Madrid hit back two minutes later. Rodrygo spread the danger through Jude Bellingham's pass, but his action could also be anticipated by Alex Meret.
And a goal was scored! Napoli went 1-0 up in the 19th minute through Leo Ostigard. Starting from a corner, Ostigard headed a wild ball in front of the goal.
Madrid responded immediately to the goal. In the 27th minute, Vinicius immediately equalized the score to 1-1, after passing Jude Bellingham's pass into a goal with a right-footed shot from a tight angle.
The visitors then turned in the lead seven minutes later. Bellingham made his name again for Madrid, this time passing Eduardo Camavinga. The 2-1 score lasted until halftime.
In the second half, Napoli got an equalizing goal in the 54th minute. The penalty was awarded by the hosts after Nacho made a handball, which was declared through VAR. Piotr Zielinski advanced to be the executor and was able to beat Kepa. The score became 2-2.
The score was tied again, making Napoli excited. Several chances were obtained by Rudi Garcia's men against Madrid, but no goals could be presented.
Even Napoli's goal was conceded again. In the 74th minute, Alex Meret made a blunder after failing to hold Fede Valverde's rocket shot from outside the penalty area. The score became 3-2, Madrid again ahead of Napoli.
In the remaining time of the game, Napoli tried to find an equalizing goal. However, Madrid had defended closely enough to secure its lead.
One last chance was obtained by Napoli in injury time. A first-time shot from Leo Ostigard was headed right into Madrid's goal but was parried by Kepa Arrizabalaga. The score of 3-2 finally held for Madrid's victory over Napoli.
"Napoli vs. Real Madrid" line-up
Napoli: Alex Meret, Mathias Oliveira (Mario Rui 88'), Natan, Leo Ostigard, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Potr Zielinski (Giacomo Raspadori 75'), Andre Zambo Anguissa (Giovanni Simeone 88'), Staislav Lobotka (Jens-Lys Cajuste 88'), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Matteo Politano (Eljuf Elmas 70'), Victor Osimhen
Real Madrid: Kepa Arribazalaga, Eduardo Camavinga (Ferland Mendy 64'), Antonio Ruediger, Nacho, Dani Carvajal, Aurelien Tchouameni, Toni Kroos (Luka Modric 65'), Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior (Dani Ceballos 84'), Rodrygo (Joselu 75')