Real Madrid came back to beat (3-1) Napoli in the first leg of the Last 16 Round in Champions League. The Italian team hit first with a great goal from Insigne, but Los Blancos played much better and they were able to obtain a good result to travel calm to San Paolo. However, they still have to overcome the second leg to see the quarter finals.
James Rodríguez was the surprise in Zidane’s line up. The manager wanted to control the midfield and he put the Colombian to keep the ball and help with the assist to Benzema and to Cristiano Ronaldo. As it was expected, Real Madrid looked for Reina since the start and Los Blancos could even score in the first minute, but Reina saved a good shoot from Benzema.
Real Madrid kept pressuring high but Napoli arrived with danger when they were able to keep the ball. In the 8th minute, Hamsik passed to Insigne, who shot from very far away. Keylor Navas wasn’t in his place and the ball touched the net. Very unlucky for Real Madrid.
However, Los Blancos kept attacking and having the ball until the minute 19th, when Benzema scored from a header after a great assist from Carvajal. The French striker had the best chance close to the half time but the ball hit the post. Los Blancos played a good first half, but they weren’t able to go to the dressing room ahead in the scoreboard.
The second half couldn’t start better. Cristiano Ronaldo made a great play as a winger and he gave a perfect assist to Toni Kroos, who tapped the ball in as a golf player. When Bernabéu was still happy for the second goal, Casemiro made an amazing volley, scoring the third goal.
There were 30 minutes left but Los Blancos had already a good result. Real Madrid could score the fourth one with some chances by Cristiano Ronaldo, but also Napoli could score, especially with a chance from Dries Mertens. Callejón actually scored but the goal wasn’t valid, it was offiside.
Real Madrid looked happy and they should be with the result. The goal is closer and the quarter final round is a likely end for the tie.
