The biggest game of the round comes in Group C, as the Italian champions travel to Madrid to take on their former coach with qualification up for grabs. Madrid have already qualified after winning all four group games. Napoli, having drawn at home to Union Berlin in the last matchday, are in need of a result. If they lose at the Bernabeu and Braga defeat Berlin, Napoli would need to avoid a loss at home against the Portuguese side to qualify. Leaving the Bernabeu with any kind of result is no easy feat however. Napoli have recently sacked manager Rudi Garcia, and replaced him with their former coach Walter Mazzarri. They won away to Atalanta convincingly this weekend, and Osimhen’s return to the lineup gives them a massive boost.
Real lost Vinicius during the international break, but it seems like Rodrygo and Bellingham are winning games just fine. With Real already having qualified, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ancelotti mixed up his starting XI to avoid further injuries. Napoli on the other hand need to give it a go, as any kind of result would help them massively. Osimhen will not return to the staring lineup just in time for this major clash. Madrid will be without Tchouameni, Camavinga, Courtois, Militao and Vinicius Jr. This is a tough game to call, but if Real field their best XI, it will be difficult for Napoli to cope defensively. They’ve hired a new manager during the international break and the players will need to some time to adjust. Look out for a Madrid win in this one, with Bellingham anytime goalscorer a good bet to play. Who will reach the Round of 16?
Real Madrid to Win – 1.81
Draw – 4.00
Napoli to Win – 4.00
