Real Madrid vs Napoli prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-11-28 20:00.
Real Madrid allayed fears that injuries would hamper their return from the international break, with Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, who both had question marks over their fitness, getting on the scoresheet in a 3-0 win against Cádiz on Sunday. Already through to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout stages with two games remaining (W4), the 14-time European champions can afford to rotate their squad here to keep key men fresh.
But there’s more than just pride to play for as a point against Napoli will guarantee Los Blancos win Group C and also protect a nine-match UCL unbeaten run at the Bernabéu (W8, D1). The last four of those wins came with a clean sheet and Carlo Ancelotti’s side have only conceded once across their last six competitive home fixtures (W5, D1).
That shows what the reigning Italian champions are up against, and they still have work to do to join Madrid in the next stage, even if they are guaranteed European football after Christmas in at least the UEFA Europa League. Saturday’s 2-1 win at Atalanta was a much-needed boost for their title defence and a performance that new manager Walter Mazzarri described as “almost perfect”.
He will be gearing up for a first-ever personal H2H against Madrid having only won three times against compatriot Ancelotti (D2, L8), and Napoli themselves have also historically struggled at the Bernabéu, losing both of their previous trips here by a two-goal margin. Even club icon Diego Maradona, the third anniversary of whose death fans marked on Saturday, couldn’t inspire them to victory here back in 1987!
Players to watch: Brahim DĂaz, who opened the scoring for Madrid against Braga (W 3-0) could get another opportunity and he’s already scored twice at home this term before half-time. If Napoli need a late response, Eljif Elmas could be their man as he’s netted twice after the 75th minute across their last four fixtures.
Hot streak: Madrid have won each of their last nine European games against Italian opponents.