The Italian side has yet to taste victory against Real Madrid in an official encounter. Even with the greatest players on the pitch, Napoli could not topple Madrid in top flight competition.
On Tuesday, Real Madrid visits the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for the second group stage match of the Champions League. The opening fixture proved costly for Madrid, though Jude Bellingham nudged them to a late win against the German side at the Bernabéu. Now the journey continues as they travel south to face the Serie A champions, a battle anticipated for control of Group C.
Napoli remains searchless for a win against Real Madrid in their four previous meetings, recording one draw and three losses. The clashes stretch back to the 1987/88 European Cup first round and the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League round of 16, underscoring a recurring pattern of Madrilenian success against the Italian club.
History of Real Madrid vs Napoli: matches, statistics, wins, draws and losses
The rivalry began on September 16, 1987, when Real Madrid hosted in Madrid and secured a 2-0 victory thanks to a Míchel penalty and an own goal by Fernando De Napoli. Diego Maradona shone for Napoli, signaling the emergence of a meaningful European confrontation between the teams.
A fortnight later at the San Paolo, the teams drew 1-1. Giovanni Francini gave Napoli the lead, but Butragueño equalized before half time, leaving Napoli frustrated as Andrea Carnevale exited the field four minutes before the end following a sending off.
Almost three decades would pass before the pair met again in the 2016/2017 season, this time in the Champions League round of 16. Real Madrid swept the tie with a pair of consistent results: 3-1 in Madrid and 3-1 in Naples, but the away goals rule did not favor Napoli in this edition as Madrid progressed and later lifted the trophy in Cardiff after defeating Juventus in the final.
In Madrid, Lorenzo Insigne briefly put Napoli ahead, yet Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro replied, steering the home side to the win. The return leg at San Paolo followed a similar arc with Napoli taking the early lead before Madrid responded through Sergio Ramos and an own goal by Mertens, with Morata adding a late touch to seal the result. The broader narrative of European nights between these clubs has since become a fixture on the continent’s club calendar, illustrating the enduring tension between Italy and Spain at the highest level of club football.