Real Madrid v Napoli – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Real Madrid host Napoli at Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday. Both sides look set to finish in the top two in the group so there is not much pressure attached to this fixture. Los Blancos have won all three previous meetings between these teams with three goals scored in each victory.

Real Madrid Form

Despite not always playing well, Ancelotti’s side have been beaten just once all season – a loss in the Madrid derby back in September. They followed that setback with four successive victories, including 3-2 away at Napoli to take full control of Group C. After a 1-1 draw at Sevilla, they won 2-1 at Sporting Braga on matchday three.

A somewhat fortunate 2-1 away win at Barcelona followed thanks to Jude Bellingham’s brace. However, a surprise 0-0 home stalemate with Rayo Vallecano followed. Before the FIFA break, they put Valencia to the sword in a 5-1 home victory. On Sunday, Los Blancos breezed to a 3-0 away win at Cadiz to go top of La Liga.

Real Madrid Team News

Carlo Ancelotti has numerous injuries woes right now. Thibaut Courtois is still absent in goal, as is his understudy Kepa Arrizabalaga. Andriy Lunin will start in goal. The midfield is very depleted with the absences of Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga.

At the back, Eder Militao remains out long-term and Vinicius Jr is also unavailable. Joselu is set to lead the line with Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham in support. Dani Ceballos could get a rare start in midfield with all the absentees.

Real Madrid Motivation

A draw is enough for Los Blancos to guarantee the top spot in the group. Ancelotti could rotate his side somewhat with an eye on La Liga commitments.

A narrow win would be a top result. They will want to avoid losing or drawing and will look to entertain their supporters despite how little is riding on this match.

Napoli Form

It hasn’t been a great season for Napoli so far in terms of domestic results. Their first 12 Serie A matches saw just six wins and home losses to Lazio and Fiorentina in the first eight fixtures. The latter defeat came after losing 3-2 to Real Madrid at home on matchday two of the Champions League.

The squad rallied after that, winning 3-1 at Verona and 1-0 at Union Berlin on matchday three. However, one win in the next four saw the axe fall on coach Rudi Garcia. A 1-1 home draw versus Union Berlin and a late 1-0 home defeat to Empoli proved the final straw. With Walter Mazzarri back in charge, they won 2-1 at Atalanta on Saturday.

Napoli Team News

Walter Mazzarri is without attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom due to injury. Left-back Mario Rui will also play no part in this match. Fellow fullback Mathías Olivera went off injured on Saturday so veteran centre-back Juan Jesus may deputise on the left.

Key striker Victor Osimhen is set to start having featured as a substitute in the last match against Atalanta. He had been out injured for six weeks. Giacomo Raspadori is set to drop down to the bench.

Napoli Motivation

Napol have a four-point lead over third-placed Braga, and they host the Portuguese club on matchday six. Therefore, a defeat here is not a major factor in qualification.

They will play to win and keep their slim hopes of top spot alive but a good performance and a draw or a narrow defeat would be acceptable.

Key Stats

Real Madrid have lost just once all season in 18 matches

Real Madrid have won all 3 previous meetings with Napoli (9 goals scored)

Napoli are unbeaten on the road this season (won 7, drew 2)

Napoli have won 5 of their last 7 away UEFA Champions League matches (14 goals scored)

Verdict

This fixture is complicated by Madrid’s injuries and comfortable position in the group. They should get the win, but a narrow margin of victory is expected, and they may concede with Osimhen fit again for the visitors.