At the Stadio Maradona, Napoli were gunning for a famous result against Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage, but they fell just short following an admirable effort. Leo Ostigard scored his second opener in three days but Jude Bellingham turned the result upside-down, providing the assist for Vinicius and then scoring a fabulous solo effort. In the second period, Piotr Zielinski drew the Partenopei back on level terms by converting a spot kick, but a long-range rocket from Federico Valverde settled the encounter in favor of the 14-time UCL winners. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who suffered a 2-3 defeat at home at the hands of Real Madrid.
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 5.5
The Italian goalkeeper did well to deny an early shot, but could do little about the first two goals. He might have been unfortunate to concede the third as Valverde’s shot bounced off the woodwork before hitting him in the back, but perhaps he could have parried it away.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 5.5
The Napoli captain committed an uncharacteristic blunder that gifted Los Blancos their first goal with a poor pass. He regained his composure afterwards, but that incident was enough to blemish his evening.
Leo Ostigard – 6.5
The Norwegian made himself a protagonist upfront by scoring the opener with a towering header and also trying his luck on other occasions. Did well at the back, except for the second Madrid goal where he failed to obstruct Bellingham’s stride.
Natan – 6.5
A solid display at the back from the Brazilian who’s slowly but surely establishing himself as a key member of the backline.
Mathias Olivera – 6
A decent display from the Uruguayan who trotted up and down the left flank even if he never delivered brilliant plays.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 6.5
An impressive outing from the former Fulham man who was out to boss the middle of the park against some of the finest midfielders in the world. Retrieved the ball on several occasions and brought the play forward, but could have done better to track Bellingham on the second Real goal.
Stanislav Lobotka – 6
A relatively quiet evening from the Napoli Regista. Although he grew with the match, he didn’t cement himself as a protagonist as usual.
Piotr Zielinski – 6
A game of two halves from the Pole. He seemed out of sorts in the first 45 minutes but became comprehensively more lively in the second period. Picked up Osimhen in a play that culminated in a spot kick that he brilliantly converted.
Matteo Politano – 6.5
The Italian winger held his own against Edoardo Camavinga and provided Osimhen with a wonderful cross in the first half. His impact dwindled after the break and left his spot for Elmas.
Victor Osimhen – 6
The Nigerian bomber was superb in the aerial duels against the bigger Antonio Rudiger, but he just lacked the final touch. Though, he won the spot kick that resulted in the equalizer.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6
The Georgian was embroiled in a back-and-forth battle against Dani Carvajal and found mild success. Threatened Kepa with a powerful shot that whistled past the post, but he’d be disappointed for failing to score or assist on such a glamorous occasion.
Substitutes
Eljif Elmas – 5.5
The North Macedonian started his cameo as a right winger and then dropped to a deeper role, but his impact was limited.
Giacomo Raspadori – N/A
Giovanni Simone – N/A
Jens Cajuste – N/A
Mario Rui – N/A
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