Bellingham on target as Real Madrid edge Napoli

• Napoli hosted Real Madrid in match day 2 of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League
• Both teams needed a win to go top of the group
• Napoli scored first but three goals from Vinicius Jr, Bellingham, and an own goal by Meret sealed the victory for Madrid

Jude Bellingham scored yet another goal to help Real Madrid secure a 3-2 victory against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League. This triumph marked Real Madrid’s second consecutive win in the competition.

Bellingham’s contributions were instrumental throughout the match. After providing the assist to Vinicius Junior following Napoli’s initial lead, Bellingham showcased his individual brilliance with a stunning solo goal. However, the match also featured a controversial penalty awarded to Napoli, which led to a contentious moment in the game.

Early in the contest, Bellingham quickly made his presence felt. A precise long ball allowed Rodrygo to utilize his speed, although the Brazilian’s shot was thwarted by Napoli’s goalkeeper, Alex Meret. Bellingham, along with Aurelien Tchouameni, had opportunities to score but missed their attempts.

In the 19th minute, Napoli broke the deadlock, partially due to Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, missing an attempted punch to clear a corner from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. While Bernardo Natan’s header hit the crossbar, Leo Ostigard capitalized on the opportunity, leaping over Real defender Dani Carvajal to head the rebound into the empty net.

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Real Madrid’s response came eight minutes later when Bellingham intercepted a pass from Giovanni Di Lorenzo deep in Napoli’s half and then set up Vinicius. The Brazilian forward remained composed, slotting the ball across Meret from a tight angle to level the score.

In the 34th minute, Bellingham showcased his exceptional skills, collecting the ball near the halfway line. He embarked on a mesmerizing solo run into the penalty area, deftly maneuvering past Ostigard before calmly placing a right-footed shot into the corner of the net. Bellingham’s goal marked his second in two Champions League matches, underlining his significance to the team.

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring the second goal for Real Madrid against Napoli in a UEFA Champions League clash. | PHOTO: Sky |

Kepa redeemed himself for his earlier mistake with a strong save to deny Victor Osimhen’s header, ensuring that Real Madrid entered halftime with a 2-1 lead.

However, the match took a dramatic turn in the second half due to a contentious VAR decision. Osimhen’s cross into the box was intercepted by Nacho Fernandez, and the ball inadvertently struck his arm as he attempted to clear it. The referee initially awarded a corner but was called to the VAR monitor. After a lengthy review, he reversed his decision and awarded Napoli a penalty. Piotr Zielinski converted the penalty, notching his 50th Napoli goal.

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This fortunate turn of events reinvigorated Napoli’s performance, as they piled on the pressure. Kvaratskhelia had a shot that missed the target, while Zielinski’s powerful long-range effort forced Kepa to make a crucial save.

With an hour played, Real Madrid introduced Luka Modric, and shortly thereafter, they nearly regained the lead. Dani Carvajal’s quick shot was parried by the goalkeeper, and Bellingham, anticipating the rebound, headed the ball wide.

Real Madrid finally found the winner in the 78th minute. Modric’s corner was cleared only as far as Federico Valverde, who controlled the ball and unleashed a thunderous strike. The shot rattled off the crossbar before unintentionally deflecting off the back of the unsuspecting Meret and settling into the net.

In the closing stages, Ostigard’s effort forced Kepa into a save, but Real Madrid held on to secure a crucial victory, overcoming some nervy moments along the way.