Jude Bellingham bagged his eighth goal of the season as Real Madrid ended Napoli's 13-game unbeaten Champions League streak at home, snatching a 3-2 victory in an enthralling encounter on Tuesday. The contest, in truth, could have gone either way, but Bellingham's virtuoso brilliance, coupled with a stunning Federico Valverde strike , saw off the Italian champions.
Napoli took the lead with their first chance of the night, as Kvicha Kvaratskhelia whipped a corner into the box, which Real Madrid goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga misjudged, and after the ball pinged off the crossbar, it fell kindly for Leo Ostigard to head into an open net.
But Madrid offered a response. Bellingham won the ball just outside the Napoli box, before feeding Vinicius Jr for a fine finish from a tight angle. The England international then put Madrid ahead shortly after with a magnificent effort, weaving through the Napoli defence before curling a shot past Alex Meret.
Napoli levelled things up again after the break, Piotr Zielinski smashing home from the penalty spot after the hosts were awarded a dubious spot-kick for a Nacho handball. Los Blancos found an edge as the game went on, though, and were good value for their winner as Valverde fired from distance, his 25-yard-effort hitting the bar before bouncing into the net off Meret's back. The home side pushed for a winner late on, but Madrid saw off late pressure to secure an important away win that leaves them with one foot in the Champions League knockouts.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Stadio Diego Armando Maradona...
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Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):
His blunder handed Napoli the opening goal. Was otherwise unconvincing, though did make a smart reflex save to deny Osimhen.
Dani Carvajal (5/10):
He was always going to be given a tough night by Kvaratskhelia, and that was the case, as the Georgian wound his way around the right-back all evening.
Nacho (7/10):
Unlucky to give away a penalty — it was never a handball. Turned in a solid showing otherwise.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10):
Engaged in a fine battle with Osimhen, which he won in key moments. Madrid never looked shaky with him at the back.
Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):
Handed a start ahead of Mendy at his less-favoured left-back spot. Booked early. Rightly removed after an hour.
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Getty ImagesMidfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (8/10):
Controlled space effectively, and probably should've found the net in the first half. Has made the No.6 role his own this season.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
'Scored' the winning goal after an otherwise rather sloppy night on the ball. His ability to cover ground was vital otherwise, though.
Toni Kroos (6/10):
Pinged some nice passes, but never really controlled the game in his usual style. Needs a rest.
Jude Bellingham (9/10):
Assisted Madrid's first, scored their ridiculous second. He probably should have grabbed another, but a miss will do little to detract from another excellent performance from the Englishman.
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- Getty Images
Attack
Rodrygo (5/10):
Struggled to get involved in the game, and often tried to do too much. He's yet to score this season.
Vinicius Jr (8/10):
Looked lacking in sharpness until he scored the Madrid equaliser. Had a few good chances after, and found a rhythm. He will be so important once fully fit.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Replaced Camavinga and made a crucial clearance late on.
Luka Modric (6/10):
Offered a solid shift off the bench, which is pretty much his role these days.
Joselu (6/10):
Struggled to get involved, but certainly had the legs to give Madrid life late on
Dani Ceballos (N/A):
Not enough time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
Benched Modric, and opted to start Camavinga at left-back. Madrid controlled the game early, but lost it when Napoli offered more of an attacking threat in the second half.
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