There is a Neapolitan saying about scarce water that translates roughly to even a duck can’t swim when the pool is tiny. That idea fits Madrid’s defensive dilemma this season. Real Madrid faces an uphill climb on offense, especially with Courtois and Militao sidelined. The team entered its tenth match of the season in Naples, and in these ten games Carlo Ancelotti experimented to discover a stable balance for a Real Madrid that was playing without a traditional forward line.
strength at the core
In the preview, Ancelotti outlined his guiding principle for this campaign: when the defense stays solid, the chances of winning rise. The decisions that followed reflected a steady approach. He relied on Camavinga to anchor the left side, having sacrificed midfield balance previously when Tchouaméni pressed for variety. Aurelien anchors the center, combining with Kroos to guide the tempo and with Valverde’s versatility at hand. That combination provides a sturdy midfield base but narrows the wings, pushing Modric to the bench. It allows Bellingham to roam higher, linking with Vinicius and Rodrygo to sustain a danger-filled attack. Joselu was kept as an option to add an extra threat when needed.
Madrid’s approach to the game at Diego Armando Maradona was restrained and purposeful. They moved the attack away from their own area with a compact, three-quarter setup while Rudiger and Nacho, who would miss a league spell due to a suspension, guarded Kepa’s goal area. Naples created a clear aerial threat, and the goalkeepers faced a bustling first half; Ostigard rose to meet a cross with a header that opened the scoring twice for the home side.
Kepa failed to read a touch of chaos in the moment, and Ostigard again found a way through Napoli’s pressure. The match showcased the volatility of the tie and the risks of a high-stakes early phase.
The match featured social media posts that captured the moment and the intensity of the clash, illustrating the immediate reactions to key plays and decisions during the ninety minutes.
Bellingham exhibition and VAR…
The scoreline shifted as Madrid pressed forward and found a path back into the game. Bellingham’s instinctive ball retrieval helped rekindle a connection with Vinicius, setting up a quick sequence that brought Madrid level. Ten minutes later, Bellingham positioned himself between lines, threaded into the area through a weaving run, and finished with composure to push his team ahead. In nine appearances, Bellingham had eight goals and three assists, underscoring Ancelotti’s decision to deploy him in midfield where his goal-scoring instincts could flourish in tandem with the team’s playmakers.
Bellingham’s growing influence and Vinicius’ willingness to create space were evident as Madrid moved forward. The half ended with Madrid showing belief that the momentum could carry into the second period.
The second half intensified as Naples pressed with certainty and Madrid faced more headwinds. Osimhen remained a constant threat, and Kepa made a crucial save to prevent a draw before the break. In the 54th minute, VAR called a key moment that changed the balance of the match as Zielinski converted from the spot to level the score. Madrid then wrestled with losing possession and the risk of a swift Napoli counter.
With twenty minutes left, Ancelotti responded by reshaping the balance once more: Mendy took over the left flank, Modric entered in place of Kroos, and Joselu came on to provide additional support for Jude and Vinicius. The tactical shift helped Madrid regain initiative in a game that looked destined to end in a stalemate given the strength of the two teams.
Valverde’s goal
The decisive moment began when Joselu helped swing the ball toward the edge of the area. Valverde spotted a chance and struck a shot that skimmed the crossbar after catching the goalkeeper off guard, redirecting the ball into the net. That quick sequence gave Madrid a lead they would defend with resilience. Vinicius then helped ease pressure by pulling players away from the center, allowing Madrid to control the closing stages.
The tactical plan paid off in a victory that highlighted Madrid’s ability to respond under pressure. It also underscored Bellingham’s growing influence and Ancelotti’s willingness to adjust personnel to secure a win in a challenging group-stage setting.
Data sheet:
Naples: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Natan, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen. Substitutes used: Simeone, Elmas, Raspadori, Mario Rui, Cservicio, m.75; m.69; m.88; m.88.
Real Madrid: Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius. Substitutes used: Mendy, Modric, Joselu, Ceballos, m.84; m.64; m.75; m.64.
Goals: 1-0 Ostigard, 19th minute; 1-1 Vinicius, 27th minute; 1-2 Bellingham, 34th minute; 2-2 Zielinski, 54th minute, penalty; 2-3 own goal by Meret, 78th minute.
Referee: Clement Turpin (France). Notable actions included cautions for Napoli’s Natan (45th), Camavinga (29th), Bellingham (70th) and Kepa (89th) during the clash.
Attendance: 26,000 spectators at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples on the second matchday of the Champions League group stage.