In what promises to be one of the standout matches in the group stage of the Champions League, Italian champions Napoli will face off against Real Madrid at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples on Tuesday evening.
Match Preview
Napoli comes into the contest on the back of a resounding 4-0 victory over Lecce in Serie A, while Real Madrid secured a 3-0 win over Girona in La Liga in their previous outing.
Despite their inconsistent form in Serie A this season, Napoli recorded an emphatic 4-0 win against Lecce, elevating their points tally to 14 from seven games.
Currently sitting third in the Serie A table, four points behind leaders Inter Milan, Napoli has won three of their last four matches across all competitions.
They began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Braga, thanks to an own goal in the dying minutes of the match.
Last season, Napoli reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, marking their best-ever performance in the competition.
Determined to excel this season, Napoli aims to progress from the group stage.
Their clash against Real Madrid is a pivotal battle between the favorites of the section.
The two teams met in the round of 16 during the 2016-17 season, where Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 6-2 aggregate score.
Real Madrid, with a glorious history of 14 European Cups, has showcased formidable form at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign.
Excluding a defeat against Atletico Madrid, they have emerged victorious in all competitions, including seven consecutive wins in La Liga.
Responding to their derby loss, Real Madrid triumphed over Las Palmas and Girona, scoring five goals and conceding none.
Despite a less convincing performance against Union Berlin in their Champions League opener, a last-minute goal secured them all three points.
Real Madrid has an impressive record against Serie A opposition, winning their last eight encounters.
Additionally, they have emerged victorious in 14 of their previous 15 matches against Italian clubs.
However, Real Madrid’s away form in the Champions League has been less consistent, with only seven wins in their last 23 away games and eight defeats during that period.
This might boost Napoli’s confidence going into the match.
Team News:
Napoli will be without Juan Jesus, Amir Rrahmani, and Pierluigi Gollini due to injury.
However, they did not suffer any fresh issues in their recent league victory over Lecce.
Victor Osimhen, who has already scored five goals this season, and Matteo Politano are set to return in the attacking third.
Real Madrid continues to miss the services of Eder Militao, Thibaut Courtois, and Arda Guler due to injury.
David Alaba is also unavailable after sustaining a groin injury.
Nacho is expected to fill in for Alaba in the center of defense, while Fran Garcia may be recalled at left-back.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces decisions regarding the playing positions of Fran Garcia, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Napoli:
Meret;
Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Natan, Olivera;
Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski;
Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
Real Madrid:
Kepa;
Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, F Garcia;
Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde;
Bellingham;
Rodrygo, Vinicius
Prediction:
This clash promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams eager to secure a positive result.
Considering the stakes, a cautious approach might prevail, resulting in a tight contest.
Our prediction is a 1-1 draw in Naples.
