Italian football club Napoli have secured their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive year. A comfortable 2-0 home win over Portuguese side SC Braga was enough to see them through as runners-up in Group C behind holders Real Madrid.
Two first-half goals, including a lucky own goal opener, paved the way for a vital victory that will provide a significant financial boost to the club. More importantly, it ended a poor run of form and brought much-needed confidence ahead of a challenging period in Serie A.
Own Goal Breaks Deadlock
Napoli headed into the tie under pressure after a run of three straight defeats across all competitions. However, a slice of good fortune after just 9 minutes helped relieve some anxiety in the stadium.
A wayward pass from Braga defender Serdar Saatci took an awkward bounce and looped over stranded goalkeeper Matheus to hand Napoli the lead. It was the second time this season that the Portuguese outfit have put the ball into their own net against Napoli.
The opener broke the recent goalscoring drought at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where Napoli had failed to find the net in their last three games on home soil.
Osimhen Adds Second with Clever Finish
The home side’s top scorer Victor Osimhen doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute with an instinctive backheel finish from close range. Brazilian defender Natan, a summer signing from RB Bragantino, provided the assist with a low ball across the six-yard box for his first goal involvement for the club.
It was a welcome return to scoring form for Osimhen, who had not found the net in ten matches across all competitions this season. His previous club goal came almost two months ago in early October.
Nonetheless, his clever improvisation gave Napoli a comfortable lead and put Braga in a position where they needed four unanswered goals to progress.
First Clean Sheet Provides Platform
While Napoli ultimately qualified comfortably, ending a four-game winless streak was imperative. The victory was just their second across seven home games in Serie A and Europe combined.
Crucially, by keeping a clean sheet they were able to take control of the contest. It was the first time they had prevented the opposition from scoring at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona since August.
Goalkeeper Alex Meret produced an excellent stop to deny Braga’s Ricardo Horta late in the first half. Skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo praised his performance and highlighted the importance of defensive solidity.
“It was important not to concede a goal, with some great saves from Meret,” he said. “We’re happy for him, it was important for everyone not to concede a goal.”
Manager Walter Mazzarri shared the same sentiment in his post-match interview.
“I was interested in not conceding a goal, as well as getting through,” he explained. The 62-year-old will hope this result provides a platform to build more consistency at both ends of the pitch.
Prize Money Eases Financial Pressure
While on-field performances are the priority, progression into the last 16 also brings a welcome financial boost for the club’s owners. UEFA pay substantial prize money to participating teams, with bonuses for every stage they reach.
By qualifying from their group, Napoli will pocket around $10.36 million (€9.6 million). For a club that posted financial losses before tax of $102 million (€95 million) last year, these payments help ease cash flow pressures.
From Real Madrid’s perspective, two late goals earned a 3-2 comeback win over Union Berlin to make it six victories from six. The reigning champions topped Group C by eight points from Napoli.
Meanwhile, Braga held on to third place and a spot in the Europa League knockout round playoffs.
Hectic Festive Schedule Begins
After navigating this European test, Napoli can shift attention back to climbing the Serie A table. Currently languishing in 6th position, they face a defining set of league fixtures before club football takes its winter break.
Beginning with a tricky away trip to Sassuolo on Friday, they then host fourth-placed Inter Milan before the year is out. Sandwiched in between is a difficult visit to manager Luciano Spalletti’s former club AS Roma.
Napoli trail league leaders Juventus by 10 points, albeit with a game in hand. While hopes of retaining the Scudetto are fading, Champions League qualification remains well within their grasp.
If they can build on this morale-boosting win over Braga, this current squad has enough quality get their season back on track. Victor Osimhen’s return to form would provide a timely boost.
The knockout stage draw takes place on Monday 7th November. Seeded teams that finished top of their group will be kept apart, meaning Napoli could potentially draw Premier League winners Liverpool.
