Napoli have quieted the crowd at the Bernabeu, striking first to take a lead in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 match.
Madrid enter Wednesday’s match on an unbeaten run of 11 games in the Champions League, but Napoli have a streak of their own. The Italians have not lost since October, currently riding an unbeaten streak of 18 games.
After Madrid dominated possession early, Napoli showed their teeth on the counter attack. The critical moment came in the eighth minute, when Lorenzo Insigne broke free and launched a curling shot from almost 40 yards away. The ball curled into the low corner of the goal, just outside the grasp of Keylor Navas.
The lead did not last, but the away goal will remain crucial. After an all-Spanish Champions League final last year, Barcelona’s loss on Tuesday has La Liga on notice. Barca fell 0-4 to PSG at Parc de Princes, but Madrid now trail in front of their home crowd.
Napoli have a crucial away goal. This could be a really interesting tie now. #RMNAP
Madrid are playing without Gareth Bale, who is still recovering from an ankle injury. Bale resumed training for the first time with the team on Sunday.
The teams will meet again for the second leg in Italy on Tuesday, March 7.