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Looking ahead to the match against Real Madrid, we take a look back at the trajectory of the English team in the Champions League
The UEFA Champions League has reached the decisive phase of the competition: the knockout stages. There is no margin for error, no room for mistakes. Looking ahead to the round of 16, let's take a look at how Napoli qualified from the group stage and analyze their chances of reaching the quarterfinals.
The Italian team secured their place in the round of 16 on matchday 6 with a great victory over Benfica in Lisbon. The 2-1 win at the Estadio Da Luz saw them qualify as group winners, but their joy was short-lived as they will face the current champions: Real Madrid.
The most exciting night in Napoli's European adventure came in 7 fabulous minutes when they scored three goals for a 4-2 victory against Benfica. The advantage was minimal at halftime, but Dries Mertens scored a brace and Arkadiusz Milik added another from the penalty spot after the break. The home team extended their lead before the hour mark.
The passionate support of the local fans makes the San Paolo stadium one of the most intimidating in the competition, but coach Maurizio Sarri is aware that his team needs to perform away from home to have a productive Champions League campaign. Victories in Lisbon and Kiev will have eased the manager's concerns.
A serious knee injury to Milik during international duty with Poland in October threatened to ruin Napoli's entire season. But then a new hero emerged. Mertens started scoring and hasn't stopped. He has transformed from a talented player to one of the most in-form footballers on the planet. He is the team's top scorer in this Champions League, with four goals. Naples has a new king.
Leading the group, you rarely face the reigning champions in the round of 16. And certainly not Real Madrid. Sarri's men have a tough task ahead to qualify for the quarterfinals. Putting in a good performance in the Spanish capital will be key to their aspirations. If they achieve something positive at the Bernabeu, San Paolo will be set for a great night in the second leg.
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