Losing Against Real Madrid, Napoli's Step To The Last 16 Postponed

Real Madrid players celebrate the game against Napoli in the Champions League. (Twitter @realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid blocked Napoli's desire to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. Madrid, who had already pocketed a ticket to the knockout round, refused to give up and won 4-2 at home to Napoli in Group C at the Santiag Bernabeu Stadium, Thursday, November 30 in the morning WIB.

Napoli, who needed a win to secure tickets as well as accompany Madrid to the last 16, actually started the match well.

The Italian Serie A team, which has just made the change of coach, took the lead first. But Madrid, who continued to field the best squad, were able to catch up and even turned to win.

As a result, Madrid set a perfect record by winning all matches. The Spanish La Liga giant confirmed his position at the top of the standings with points 15.

Meanwhile, Napoli, who remain in second place, have point seven. Luckily they are still three points ahead of Dr. Braga who drew 1-1 against Union Berlin.

The position in the standings makes Napoli only need a draw in the last match against his rival, Braga, at home at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, December 13, 2023. On the other hand, Braga had to win the match. This is what makes Napoli a little over the wind.

However, the defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu was disappointing. How not, Napoli when they visited Madrid headquarters did appear convincing in the first minute of the match.

The team, which is now inspired by Walter Mazzarri, immediately took the lead when the game had only been running for nine minutes. Striker Giovanni Simeone's close-range shot successfully beat goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

But The Partenopei's advantage did not last long. Carlo Ancelotti's side only needed two minutes to equalize through Rodrygo as his shot into the top corner of goal failed to reach goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Next, Madrid took the lead in the 22nd minute. This time, winger Jude Bellingham, who didn't get tired of scoring. His header changed the score to 2-1 and lasted until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Napoli quickly got up to equalize the score. Midfielder Frank Anguissa managed to take advantage of the rebound ball in the 47th minute.

The score 2-2 actually secured Napoli's move to the last 16. But bad luck because they couldn't keep their own goal.

Madrid academy player Nico Paz who entered to replace Brahim Diaz instead broke into Napoli's goal. The 19-year-old Argentine player's goal was created in the 84th minute.

The goal made Napoli players complete. The reason is, their hopes of qualifying are delayed.

Even Madrid could add more goals when Joselu beat Meret in injury time. The 4-2 score for Madrid lasted until the end of the match.