Napoli will host Real Madrid in one of the standout games in the Champions League. Real Madrid won 3-0 over Girona in La Liga the last time around. Napoli came into the match off a crushing 4-0 victory over Lecce in Serie A.
Preview (Napoli vs. Real Madrid)
Napoli hasn’t played flawlessly in Serie A this season. They picked up their fourth league victory on Saturday by defeating Lecce with four unanswered goals. As a result, they now have 14 points after seven games. Rudi Garcia’s team has won three of their past four games across all competitions. It included a 2-1 victory against Braga in their Champions League debut. Rudi Garcia’s team is currently third in the Serie A table, four points behind champions Inter Milan. On September 20, Braga actually tied the game at 1-1 in the 84th minute. Napoli’s 2023–24 European season got off to a crucial victory thanks to an own goal from Sikou Niakate.
The Blues’ best-ever showing in the Champions League came last season when they advanced to the quarterfinals. This season, they’ll be hoping to advance from their group after watching the match between the two division favorites. In their most recent round of 16 encounters, Real Madrid defeated Napoli 3-1 on the road and at home to advance to the next round of the competition with a 6-2 overall victory. Real Madrid has 14 European Cup victories to its credit. They are off to a terrific start in the 2023–24 season with just one loss. It came against fierce rival Atletico Madrid on the road last weekend.
Other than the loss in the Madrid derby, Carlo Ancelotti’s team has won every game, including seven in La Liga. With 21 points overall, they are currently in first place in the league. They have also impressively bounced back by defeating Girona and Las Palmas while scoring five goals and allowing none. On September 20, Los Blancos faced Union Berlin in their Champions League debut. Despite not playing at their best, they were able to earn all three points thanks to a goal by Jude Bellingham in the 94th minute. In fact, Real Madrid has triumphed in each of their last eight games against Serie A opponents and in 14 of their previous 15 meetings versus Italian clubs.
Team News
Three first-team players, including Juan Jesus, Amir Rahmani, and Pierluigi Gollini, are now out of action for Napoli due to injuries. Despite the significant absences of Jesus and Rrahmani, the home team did not have any new problems in their league victory over Lecce on Saturday. There won’t likely be any significant shocks in the starting lineup for the home team in this match. Victor Osimhen has five goals this season. Matteo Politano will both return in the last third of the field. Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, and Arda Guler are still unavailable for Real Madrid. A late fitness check will be required for David Alaba.
The Austrian defender missed the match against Girona last week owing to a groin injury, but Ancelotti stated before Saturday’s game that the defender might play against Napoli again. There are important decisions to be made all over the field, including whether to move Eduardo Camavinga into his customary midfield position in place of Fran Garcia at left defender should he be recalled.
While Rodrygo is vying to be recalled in the final third, the Brazilian might start with Vinicius Junior despite Joselu’s outstanding scoring form early in the season. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos may have to settle for slots on the bench for this game. This match has all the makings of being exciting, and we anticipate a very tight game on Tuesday night. One could argue that any team should win it, but both managers will be anxious to avoid losing, which might make the match cagey.
Napoli 1 – 1 Real Madrid
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