In the sports domain, Napoli’s striker, Victor Osimhen, recently returned to action after a prolonged injury hiatus, is set to lead the Italian champions’ offensive line against a depleted Real Madrid. This encounter, crucial for determining the winner of Group C, takes place today.
Although both teams have already secured qualification for the knockout stage, the match promises to deliver high-quality football at the Bernabeu.
Osimhen, who provided an assist in Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Atalanta last weekend, is poised to start against Real Madrid. Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has outlined plans to counter Osimhen, acknowledging him as a complete attacker with strength in heading and transitions.
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While Real Madrid emerged victorious in the first leg with a 3-2 scoreline, Napoli aims to upset the Spanish giants in this encounter. Coach Walter Mazzarri boasts an almost full squad following Osimhen’s return.
Speaking about the game, Ancelotti stated, “Kvara is formidable one-on-one, Osimhen is a complete attacker, very strong with his head and in transitions. We took all this into account in the first leg, and we will try to take it into account tomorrow too.”
Real Madrid, coping with injuries to key players, remains confident in their depth to overcome Napoli. Veteran Dani Carvajal, a stalwart right-back, expressed the team’s focus on facing a formidable opponent and aiming to finish atop the group.
Carvajal, undeterred by the injury setbacks, sees this as an opportunity for less frequently featured players to shine and foster unity within the squad. Despite acknowledging the demanding fixture schedule and its toll on players’ peak performance, Carvajal emphasized the squad’s resilience and the unwavering confidence in their manager, crucial elements in their pursuit of success.
In other fixtures, Galatasaray will host Manchester United in Group A, while Bayern Munich, leading Group A, will play against FC Copenhagen. Group B leaders Arsenal will host Lens, and struggling Sevilla will face PSV Eindhoven. Group D features Benfica at home against Inter Milan, and Real Sociedad entertaining FC Red Bull Salzburg.