Four matches, four wins have Real Madrid firmly in control of Group C with just two group stage games to go in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos, who are the most decorated side in this competition, are once again one of the heavy favorites to battle for the coveted prize, and Carlo Ancelotti's men have made an excellent start to their European campaign as they sit five points clear of upcoming opponents Napoli heading into the two sides' meeting in Madrid on Wednesday evening.
Things have been going quite well for Los Blancos in domestic affairs, as they come into this match now on top of the La Liga table following their resounding 3-0 road win over Cadiz over the weekend. That result, coupled with surprise package Girona's 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao on Monday, has seen Real Madrid now reclaim top spot as the season approaches its midway point.
Real Madrid, at this point, merely need just to pick up a point in order to head into the round of 16 as winners of Group C. Of course, they will be looking to do more than just that, and Ancelotti will be certainly quite familiar with Napoli both from his playing years and managerial career. The highly decorated Italian tactician briefly managed the Partenopei from May 2018 to December 2019, when he was surprisingly sacked by mercurial owner Aurelio De Laurentiis in December - despite guiding the Southern Italian club into the Champions League round of 16.
Meanwhile, Napoli, who won their first Scudetto in over three decades last season, also made major waves in the Champions League as they made it to the quarter-finals for the first time in club history. This time around, the Partenopei have had a wobbly start to their Scudetto defense, with Rudi Garcia sacked and now Walter Mazzarri being brought back to turn things around. Mazzarri's return saw the team pick up a confidence boosting 2-1 win over Atalanta and now he will face a tough task in what will be his first ever meeting with Real Madrid.
The Partenopei currently sit five points behind Real Madrid in their Champions League group but are also in pole position to progress as Sporting Braga have earned just three points and Union Berlin sit bottom of the table with just one point. The team will also be hoping that the return of Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, who featured during their 2-1 win over Napoli in his first game back after nearly two months out, could give them the boost they need to try to upset the odds against an opponent that have lost just one of their last 15 meetings against Italian sides.
Team news: Real Madrid vs Napoli
Real Madrid: Veteran midfielder Luka Modric may sit this one out due to a possible muscular issue, but the team were given a huge boost with the return of Jude Bellingham, who scored during the team's 3-0 road win against Cadiz. However, Vinicius Junior, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are all still out, while Kepa Arrizabalaga is also doubtful for this game.
Napoli: The visitors received great news with Victor Osimhen featured off the bench during their 2-1 win over Atalanta last weekend, and he will be expected to feature in the starting XI here. However, left-backs Mathias Olivera and Mario Rui are both out injured.
Match facts: Real Madrid vs Napoli
- Real Madrid have won 14 of their last 15 matches against Italian sides; their overall home record against Italian teams is W27 D3 L7
- Overall, Los Blancos have won 15 of their last 19 European home games (D2 L2)
- Napoli have won five of their last 11 away European games (D3 L3)
- The Partenopei have an away record of W3 D1 L7 against Spanish teams
Broadcast info: Real Madrid vs Napoli
How can I watch Real Madrid vs Napoli live?
USA: Real Madrid vs Napoli will be live-streamed on Paramount+ in the USA.
Spanish-speakers can check out ViX, Univision NOW, Univision, TUDN USA, TUDN.com, and the TUDN App.
Spain: Options to follow Real Madrid vs Napoli live (for those not going to watch it in person) in Spain include Movistar Liga de Campeones, Movistar Plus+, and Movistar+.
Italy: Amazon Prime Video will be live-streaming Napoli's match against Real Madrid.
UK: In the UK, Real Madrid vs Napoli will be shown on TV on TNT Sports 3 and live-streamed via discovery+ and the discovery+ App.
Australia: Fans in Australia can live-stream this match via Stan Sport.
Canada: Real Madrid vs Napoli will be live-streamed on DAZN Canada.
Live elsewhere? Here is how you can watch Real Madrid vs Napoli live from wherever you are based:
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