Napoli vs. Real Madrid – A Deep Dive into Match Analysis, Goal Scorers, and Player Ratings
Football fans, gather around! This article dives deep into the enthralling clashes between Napoli and Real Madrid during the 2023 Champions League group stage. We revisit both matches, analyzing the final scores, goal scorers, and even crucial player ratings for Real Madrid. Prepare to relive the gripping encounters that unfolded on the pitch, dissecting the tactical battles and individual moments that shaped the course of these exciting games.
Contents
SSC Napoli vs Real Madrid lineups
The last meeting between SSC Napoli and Real Madrid was on November 29, 2023, for the Champions League Group C stage. Here’s a breakdown of the lineups from that match:
Real Madrid (4-4-2 diamond):
- GK: Andriy Lunin
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards: Rodrygo Goes, Marco Asensio
Napoli (4-3-3):
- GK: Alex Meret
- Defenders: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Natan, Juan Jesus
- Midfielders: André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka, Piotr Zieliński
- Forwards: Matteo Politano, Giovanni Simeone, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
SSC Napoli vs Real Madrid timeline: Exploring
There have been few encounters between SSC Napoli and Real Madrid throughout history. Here’s a look at their timeline:
- 1987-1988: Their first meetings were in the first round of the European Cup (now Champions League). They drew 1-1 at both the Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid’s home stadium) and Stadio San Paolo (Napoli’s home stadium), with Real Madrid advancing on away goals.
- 2016-2017: They faced off again in the Champions League round 16. Real Madrid won 3-1 at home and 1-3 away, eliminating Napoli from the competition.
- 2023-2024: Their most recent clashes were in the Champions League Group C stage. Real Madrid won 3-2 away at Napoli and then 4-2 at home.
Overall, Real Madrid holds the upper hand with three wins, two draws, and one loss against Napoli.
SSC Napoli vs Real Madrid Stats Uncover
Here’s a breakdown of some key statistics between SSC Napoli and Real Madrid, focusing on their recent Champions League encounters:
Head-to-Head:
- Matches Played: 6
- Real Madrid Wins: 4
- Napoli won: 0
- Draws: 2
- Goals Scored (Real Madrid): 18
- Goals Scored (Napoli): 8
Recent Meetings (Champions League Group C – Nov 2023)
- Possession: Both teams were very close, with Napoli edging Real Madrid slightly (50.1% vs 49.9%). Shooting: Real Madrid had more total shots, but Napoli had a higher percentage on target. Specific numbers are unavailable, but the trend suggests Napoli might have been more clinical regarding their chances.
- Passing: Both sides displayed good passing accuracy, with Real Madrid slightly ahead (89.3% vs 90.3%).
- Head-to-Head Record: Real Madrid dominated the recent meetings, winning both games (3-2 away, 4-2 at home).
- High-Scoring Affairs: All three meetings between these two teams in the Champions League Group Stage scored at least four goals, with an average of 4.75 goals per match.
Additional Stats to Consider:
- Real Madrid’s Home Advantage: Real Madrid has a strong record at home, with a high percentage of games exceeding 2.5 goals scored (over 59% in 2024).
- Napoli’s Away Form: Napoli has shown some success away from home, winning two away games in the Champions League Group Stage.
Overall:
Historically, Real Madrid has dominated Napoli in their encounters. However, Napoli has proven to be a dangerous opponent, especially away from home. Looking at recent form and Real Madrid’s home advantage, a high-scoring match with Real Madrid as favourites seems likely. But Napoli shouldn’t be underestimated.
SSC Napoli vs Real Madrid Standings
Current Standings (as of March 25, 2024):
- SSC Napoli: It’s difficult to say definitively without specifying the league, but they are likely in a good position assuming Serie A. Several sources, like Fox Sports, show Napoli near the top spots based on the 2023-2024 season.
- Real Madrid: Similar to Napoli, Real Madrid is likely near the top of La Liga based on the 2023-2024 season.
SSC Napoli vs Real Madrid Matches
There haven’t been a ton of clashes between SSC Napoli and Real Madrid throughout history, but the ones they’ve had have been exciting. Here’s a breakdown of their encounters:
Early Meetings (1987-1988):
- Their first battles were in the 1987-1988 European Cup (Champions League).
- It was a close fight! Both matches ended in 1-1 draws at the Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid’s home) and Stadio San Paolo (Napoli’s home).
- Real Madrid ultimately advanced due to the rule of away goals.
Recent Clashes (2016-2024):
- They met again in the 2016-2017 Champions League round of 16.
- Real Madrid dominated this time, winning 3-1 at home and 1-3 away, knocking Napoli out of the competition.
Fierce Champions League Group Stage (2023-2024):
- Their most recent encounters were in the Champions League Group C stage last November.
- It was a goal-fest! Real Madrid secured both victories, winning 3-2 away at Napoli and 4-2 at home.
- Despite the losses, Napoli showed strong attacking power, scoring goals in both matches.
Key Stats:
- Real Madrid has historically dominated, with four wins, two draws, and only one loss against Napoli.
- The recent Champions League matches were high-scoring affairs, averaging 4.75 goals per game.
Looking Ahead:
There are no upcoming matches scheduled between Napoli and Real Madrid. However, based on their recent performances, a future encounter would likely be exciting and close.
Match Date | Final Score | Goal Scorers (Napoli) | Goal Scorers (Real Madrid) | Player Ratings (Real Madrid) |
October 3, 2023 | 2-3 | Østigård (19’), Zieliński (Pen 54’) | Vinicius Jr (27’), Bellingham (34’), Meret (OG 78’) | Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK): 3/10, Dani Carvajal (RB): 6/10, Antonio Rudiger (CB): 5/10 |
November 29, 2023 | 4-2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Concluding Remarks
While Real Madrid has historically dominated Napoli in their head-to-head record, their recent encounters have been thrilling displays of attacking prowess. Both teams showcased strong attacking forces in the 2023 Champions’ League group stage, with each match producing an average of nearly five goals. Despite Real Madrid securing victories in both games, Napoli proved a dangerous opponent.
Based on their current form, a future clash between these two European giants is bound to be an exciting and closely contested affair.