Real Madrid hosted Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the fifth matchday of the Champions League group stage. The Italians snatched the lead early on through Giovanni Simeone but the 14-time European champions turned the result upside-down swiftly with goals from Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham. The second period started with André-Frank Zambo Anguissa equalizing the score for the Partenopei, however, Los Merengues had the last laugh with substitutes Nico Paz and Joselu maintaining their side’s perfect record. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who will have to earn qualification in the final matchday after suffering a 2-4 defeat against Real Madrid.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 5.5
While he did pull off two solid saves, the Italian goalkeeper conceded an avoidable third goal. Could do little about the other three strikes, but he also had his shaky moments.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7
A courageous display from the Napoli captain who had a direct hand in both Napoli goals. Proved to be a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the field.
Amir Rrahmani – 5.5
The former Verona man had his moments but some would blame him for Rodrygo’s goal, though his Napoli teammates left him exposed on that occasion.
Natan – 4.5
The Napoli summer signing completely lost track of Bellingham’s run on the second Real goal, giving the Englishman a free header. The Brazilian also had other howlers that could have cost his side additional goals.
Juan Jesus – 6
A decent outing from the former Roma man who’s currently being deployed as an emergency left-back. He hardly surged forward but was solid at the back.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 7
An impressive showing from the Cameroonian who took his shot expertly to equalize the score. Covered every yard of the pitch with his non-stop running.
Stanislav Lobotka – 4.5
A forgettable evening for the Slovakian who’s currently enduring a tough run. Was dispossessed by Brahim Diaz on the first Real Madrid goal. His opponents dribbled past him rather easily on several occasions.
Piotr Zielinski – 6
The Pole had an important tactical role to play in the middle of the park and had the better of Dani Ceballos but left the pitch in the second half after sustaining a knock.
Matteo Politano – 5.5
The former Inter winger ran his socks off and always tracked back to support his teammates, but his impact in the final third was limited. Struggled to pass through the physically superior Ferland Mendy.
Giovanni Simeone – 6.5
The Argentine latched onto Di Lorenzo’s header to put a short-range shot just past the goal line and give Napoli a rapid lead that hardly lasted. Fought hard for every ball but inevitably made way for Osimhen right after the interval.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6
The Georgian started on a brilliant note, creating the opener with a sublime cross towards the back post, but faded as the match progressed.
Substitutes
Victor Osimhen – 5.5
The Nigerian was only able to put the goal in the back of the net from an offside position. Lacked proper service.
Eljif Elmas – 5.5
The North Macedonian might be the resident super-sub at Napoli, but his impact was tepid at the Bernabeu.
Jens Cajuste – 4.5
The Swedish allowed Pez to skip past him on the third Real goal and then earned a booking for simulation.
Giacomo Raspadori – N/A
Alessandro Zanoli – N/A
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