Real Madrid claimed top spot in Group C after defeating Napoli, thanks to a brilliant performance from Jude Bellingham and a decisive long-range effort from Fede Valverde.
Madrid moved a big step closer to the knockout rounds. An own goal by Alex Meret, sparked by Valverde’s strike from a corner, kept Napoli in the contest as Piotr Zielinski equalized from the spot. The visitors began the second half with renewed energy, led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who carried the attack and tested the Madrid defense. Carlo Ancelotti’s changes brought Luka Modric into the action, stabilizing the midfield, dictating play with sustained possession, and pinning Napoli back in their own half to shield Kepa Arrizabalaga’s goal.
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Madrid’s lead was not entirely secure when play resumed, as Napoli grew bolder. The Georgian forward’s influence intensified after halftime, troubling Dani Carvajal and forcing Madrid to adapt. Napoli’s threat increased as Osimhen pressed higher and Kvaratskhelia found joy in the spaces behind Madrid’s full-backs.
With Modric entering the fray, Madrid shifted tempo again. Zielinski’s strike and a sequence of substitutions saw Napoli briefly level the score, but Kvaratskhelia’s absence from the central zone allowed Madrid to reclaim control and frustrate the Italian side’s attempts to move through the middle.
A sensational first half from Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid clinch three crucial points and strengthen their position in the group. The English teenager has eight goals and three assists from his first nine competitive appearances for the club, underscoring how quickly he has adapted to a new system and culture.
Minute by minute Napoli vs Real Madrid, Champions League 2023-2024
The live summary of Napoli vs Real Madrid, Champions League 2023-2024: videos, plays, goals and statistics
90′ + 3′ OOSTIGARD nearly snatches a late winner for Napoli. Kvaratskhelia’s cross finds Osimhen, who wins the jump and volleys narrowly wide as Kepa Arrizabalaga clings to the line.
82′ MENDY blocks Natan’s shot as a dangerous cross from the Vol of Napoli is kept out at the heart of the box and Osimhen’s attempt is smothered.
78′ GOAL! Meret’s own goal seals the win for Real Madrid. Modric’s corner was cleared only to Ostigard, but Valverde punished the deflection, firing from the edge of the area into the roof of the net as the ball rebounded off the crossbar and beat the keeper.
73′ Meret makes a vital save after Carvajal’s run and Vinícius steps in, but the Napoli keeper blocks the shot with a strong hand.
65′ Rudiger blocks Kvaratskhelia’s effort after a dangerous run into the space behind Madrid’s defense, a reminder of Napoli’s growing menace.
57′ Kvaratskhelia’s individual move threatens again, Zielinski’s long-range effort is saved by Kepa after a clever feint from the Georgian.
56′ Kvaratskhelia tests the outside network with a fierce strike that whistles just over the bar, threatening a second goal for Napoli.
54′ Zielinski converts from the spot to restore parity, the ball catching the post on the way in as Kepa stretches in vain to reach it.
52′ A penalty for Napoli is awarded for Nacho’s handball in the box, Zielinski lined up to take it.
51′ VAR checks as Nacho’s handball is reviewed, and play resumes after the delay.
Napoli keep pressing from the wings, Di Lorenzo’s movements widening the play and forcing Madrid’s defense to contend with rapid switches and one-on-one duels, with Kvaratskhelia often isolated against Carvajal in the head-to-head battles.
With an assist from Vinícius Junior and a crucial steal that created Madrid’s first goal, Jude Bellingham again proved his leadership for the Whites. His early contributions in this match highlighted his versatility, becoming a central figure in Madrid’s attacking setup. The youngster’s all-around impact mirrors the performances of legends such as Karembeu in 1998 and Ronaldo in 2009, as he moves into elite company in the club’s Champions League narrative.
Madrid leave the first half with a slim lead after Vinícius Junior’s clever assist and Bellingham’s explosive run, responding to Napoli’s initial advantage after Ostigard’s header from a corner. The rhythm of the game was set by Madrid’s tempo and Bellingham’s constant pressure, with Napoli’s response driven by a high-energy display that kept the match in the balance.
45′ + 1′ End of the first half at Diego Armando Maradona stadium.
38′ Kept out by Kepa Arrizabalaga, Osimhen’s header from a Di Lorenzo cross narrowly fails to beat the Madrid keeper at the near post, preserving Madrid’s lead at the break.
3.4′ Jude Bellingham nets again! A composed finish after racing through the middle, beating Ostigard and converting quickly past Meret for a 2-1 Madrid lead.
30′ Vinícius Junior finds space near the box, but his shot clips a defender and goes away from the target.
27′ Vinícius Junior levels for Real Madrid! Di Lorenzo’s misplay allows Camavinga to seize the ball, and Vinícius calmly finishes past Meret to equalize.
21′ Napoli’s setup sees Osimhen kept in check as Kvaratskhelia drifts into midfield to threaten Madrid’s center, with Zambo Anguissa pressing high to disrupt Madrid’s buildup.
19′ Ostigard gives Napoli the lead, rising to head home from a corner after Natan’s block on the goal line kicks the ball into the air and into the back of the net.
12′ TCHOUAMÉNI shoots from a corner, but his attempt sails over the crossbar.
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