Madrid finish first after entertaining victory over Napoli

BeSoccer 1 year ago 4.9k
Napoli's defeat stopped Madrid following in second place. AFP

Real Madrid romped to a 4-2 win over Napoli on Wednesday to qualify in first place from their Champions League group.

Napoli's defeat stopped them following in second place, with the Italians facing Braga in the final group match to decide who progresses. Record 14-time champions Madrid were already through but secured top spot with an entertaining win over the Italian champions.

Giovanni Simeone put Napoli ahead early on, with Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham quickly netting to turn the game around.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa levelled for the visitors just after half-time but Madrid youngster Nico Paz smashed his team in front after 84 minutes and Joselu wrapped up the win in stoppage time.

"I'm so happy, this is a dream. (My teammates) were maybe even more happy than me," Paz told 'Movistar' after helping Madrid continue their 100 percent record - five wins from five games.

Napoli, with Walter Mazzarri freshly reinstalled at the helm, started with Giovanni Simeone - the son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone - up front and he quickly pounced.

The Argentine forward turned home from Giovanni di Lorenzo's cut-back and although Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin clawed his effort out, the ball had crossed the line. However, Madrid equalised almost instantly, with Brahim Diaz breaking and Rodrygo brilliantly finding the top corner.

Mentioned in the news story

G. Simeone
Real Madrid
Zambo Anguissa
Nico Paz
J. Bellingham