Champions League PREVIEW | Real Madrid v Napoli
After becoming league leaders thanks to Girona’s draw with Athletic Bilbao in the last LaLiga matchday, Real Madrid will aim to secure top spot in their group when they face Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League.
Real Madrid secured a place in the knockouts through a convincing 3-0 victory over Braga. Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo were on the scoresheet as the Spanish side drowned the Portuguese outfits. Los Blancos will be aiming to take things under control tomorrow and will hope not to be stressed as much as they were in the away reverse with Napoli.
Despite losing Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao to long-term injuries, Real Madrid have only conceded nine goals (the least) in the league this campaign and a clean sheet against the Partenopei will help add to their run.
Meanwhile, Napoli need to win tomorrow night or match Braga’s result with Union Berlin this weekend to progress to the Round of 16 stages.
The Neapolitans are having a contrasting season from the highs of last campaign and manager Rudi Garcia’s replacement with Walter Mazzarri is expected to turnaround things for the club. A 2-1 win over Atalanta in their last match consolidated the Partenopei’s top-four position as they are now three points clear of Roma in the standings. However, it is a long climb to defend their Scudetto.
Team News
As Real Madrid have already secured safe passage to the knockouts, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to rotate his squad. This may see Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo ruled out as starters.
Vinicius Jr. joined Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga on the treatment table as they are out for the rest of the year.
As for Napoli, Mathias Oliveria and Rui Garcia are both ruled out for the left-back position with injuries.
Giacomo Raspadori is predicted to be replaced by Victor Osimhen upfront. Juan Jesus is set to return to the starting line-up.
Predicted XIs
Real Madrid (4-4-2): Lunin; Lucas Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Nacho; Valverde, Kroos, Brahim Diaz, Bellingham; Joselu, Rodrygo
Napoli (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Natan, Juan Jesus; Lobotka, Zambo Anguissa, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
