Real Madrid secured the top spot in Champions League Group C with a 4-2 victory over Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Despite an early scare from Giovanni Simeone’s tap-in for Napoli, Real Madrid orchestrated a swift turnaround.
Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham found the net for the Spanish side, giving them a one-goal lead at halftime. Frank-Andre Zambo Anguissa leveled the proceedings shortly after the break, but late goals from Nicolas Paz and Joselu secured all three points for Madrid.
Heading into the match, Real Madrid had already secured qualification for the knockout stages but needed to avoid defeat against Napoli to guarantee top spot in Group C with a game to spare.
Napoli took an early lead with Giovanni Simeone capitalizing on Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s cross after nine minutes.
Real Madrid swiftly responded, with Rodrygo showcasing his skill by receiving Brahim Diaz’s pass on the edge of the area and delivering an exquisite equalizer just a minute later.
The turnaround continued as Jude Bellingham, in impressive form since joining from England, powered a header into the net from David Alaba’s excellent cross, putting Madrid ahead.
Despite Piotr Zielinski’s deflected effort threatening Madrid’s goal, the hosts held their lead going into halftime. Napoli, however, caught Madrid off guard early in the second half, as Frank-Andre Zambo Anguissa unleashed a powerful shot to level the score.
With Napoli growing in the game, Madrid responded with threat. Substitute Joselu missed a golden opportunity, inexplicably kneeing over the crossbar, while Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who came on at halftime, found the net but was flagged offside.
As the game progressed, Napoli continued to challenge Madrid, but the hosts posed a significant threat themselves. Napoli’s goalkeeper, Alex Meret, made crucial saves, denying Antonio Rudiger’s close-range header and Bellingham’s attempt after a smart Madrid move.
In a surprising turn, Meret went from hero to villain as Nicolas Paz’s long-range effort somehow slipped through his gloves, restoring Madrid’s lead.
Joselu, despite earlier misses, sealed the victory with a fourth goal for Madrid, ensuring they go into the knockout rounds seeded.
The victory not only secured Real Madrid’s progression to the knockout stages but also affirmed their top spot in Group C. The team showcased resilience and attacking prowess, overcoming Napoli’s challenges and setting a positive tone as they advance in the Champions League.
