Napoli vs Real Madrid live: Latest score from Stadio San Paolo
Follow live updates from the Champions League clash at the Stadio San Paolo
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid travel to Napoli tonight in the Champions League as they look to capitalise on their 3-1 first-leg advantage and progress through to the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition.
- Real Madrid's Gareth Bale admits La Liga is much easier than the Premier League
- Mesut Ozil admits 'Real Madrid journey' wasn't finished before moving to Arsenal
- Arsenal's Mesut Özil was called a 'coward' by Jose Mourinho in blistering dressing-room row at Real Madrid
- Real Madrid fight back to salvage late point against Las Palmas as Gareth Bale is sent-off after scoring
What time is kick-off?
7.45pm (GMT), Tuesday 7 March.
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 3
It’s a big game for…
Dries Mertens. With 25 goals to his name across all competitions this season, the Belgian could be the man to inspire a shock fightback for the hosts tonight. Mertens was in particularly fine form at the weekend, clinching both goals in his side’s 2-1 Serie A victory away at AS Roma. Napoli need Mertens more than ever if they’re to stand any chance of reaching the quarters.
Best stat…
Real Madrid have progressed in each of their past eight Champions League ties when they have won the first leg.
Player to watch…
Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese returns to Zidane’s squad after being rested for the side’s recent 4-1 victory over Eibar due to a “niggle”. Expect a fresh and rejuvenated Ronaldo to be firing on all cylinders as he seeks to secure his side’s spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Predicted line-ups…
Napoli XI: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Zielinski, Diawara, Hamsik; Callejon, Mertens, Insigne
Real Madrid XI: Navas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Form guide…
Napoli: WLLWLW
Real Madrid: WDWLWW
Odds…
Napoli to win: 2/1
Real Madrid to win: 32/25
Draw: 14/5
Hello and welcome to the Independent's live coverage of Napoli and Real Madrid, as the Serie A side attempt to make up a two goal deficit after losing the first-leg of this Champions League Round of 16 clash 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
We'll have team news for you in just a moment, before some build-up ahead of the game kicking off at 7.45pm.
Here's the official team-sheet from the Stadio San Paolo this evening. And for all you traditionalists...
Napoli (4-2-3-1): Reina, Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam, Allan, Diawara, Hamsik, Callejon, Mertens, Insigne.
Subs: Rafael Cabral, Jorginho, Maggio, Maksimovic, Zielinski, Rog, Milik.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas, Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.
Subs: Casilla, Nacho, Rodriguez, Lucas, Morata, Isco, Danilo.
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
Meanwhile at the Emirates Stadium...
You can follow this evening's other Champions League match right here:
What a contrast the Emirates Stadium makes to the Stadio San Paolo. Napoli supporters were allowed to enter the stadium five hours early as they looked to build an intimidating atmosphere ahead of the match.
Some fans took it one step further. As Spanish newspaper Marca reported this morning, Napoli fans were "singing songs, bashing pots and pans, and blaring horns, as the Partenopei followers attempted to gain an early advantage ahead of the last-16 second leg."
Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has been speaking to the press and is determined to 'make Madrid struggle'.
I have heard many of you (the press) talking about pressure, but the pressure should be all on Real Madrid’s shoulders. It’s them who are the world and European champions. It’s them who are the richest club in the world, hence it’s normal that they will advance to the next round. Our task is to make sure they really struggle.
And here's what Zinedine Zidane had to say ahead of the game:
Napoli will start with great intensity as they need to score.
I don't think they will be tired after Saturday's win at Roma - when you win a big away game like that you don't get tired you gain strength.
I'm sure we will have to suffer at times but we are ready for it.
Kick-off is less than ten minutes away!
There's a lot of attention on former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina heading into this fixture. Why? Well it has an awful lot to do with this incredible save, which he made in Napoli's fine 2-1 win against Roma this weekend.
Pepe's father, Miguel, was so excited by the wonder save that he told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli that he thinks the confident Italian side will be able to stun Real Madrid this evening.
I saw the game and was very satisfied with how the team played,
I am equally as happy for Pepe and his save at the end. The first leg result in Madrid is a shame, as it could’ve easily ended 3-2, but that’s the way it goes.
For the second leg, I continue to maintain Napoli have the quality to win and quality to turn this tie around, but they will have to run and fight hard.
The Azzurri are strong and proved that against Roma. We’ll see how it goes. If Napoli believe in themselves, they can trouble any opponent, including Real Madrid, who lately showed they are not unbeatable.
The teams are in the tunnel and the match is almost underway!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments