Carlo Ancelotti, facing his former club, leads a Real Madrid side already assured of a spot in the knockout stage. Securing the top spot in the group is the only objective left for them. With four wins from four in the group stage, Real Madrid is heavily favored to advance as group winners, needing just a point in this match to be seeded for the last 16 draw in December.
Their home record is formidable, having not lost since early April and winning eight of their last nine Champions League home games, with a draw against Manchester City being the only exception in last season's semi-final.
Real Madrid has been particularly dominant against Italian teams, winning all of their last nine encounters against Serie A sides, including a 3-2 victory at the Maradona on matchday two. A clean sheet is all they need, and their home defense has been outstanding this season, despite key injuries to players like Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao. They only conceded their first home goal in almost 10-and-a-half hours in their last league outing against Valencia.
Napoli, on the other hand, will secure a spot in the last 16 with a win or if they match Braga's result against Union Berlin this week. Union Berlin's struggles mean that Napoli is guaranteed some form of European football in the new year, but their win against Braga positions them as strong favorites for the second spot.
Napoli's journey to the last 16 would mark their fifth consecutive progression past a UEFA group stage. Despite their managerial changes this season, with Rudi Garcia being replaced by Walter Mazzarri, Napoli remains optimistic about repeating their success from last season when they reached the quarter-finals.
Mazzarri's tenure began with a notable 2-1 victory against Atalanta BC, extending Napoli's impressive away form to seven wins in nine matches on the road this season. With an average of over two goals per game in these away outings, Napoli looks to carry their fine run into the crucial encounter against Real Madrid.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Ancelotti might decide to rotate his team to safeguard certain Real Madrid players dealing with fitness concerns ahead of this crucial match, especially since they only need a draw.Luka Modric, who experienced a minor muscular issue over the weekend, is the most probable candidate to be given a rest. Despite overcoming injury problems and putting up stellar performances in the win against Cadiz on Sunday, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo might be in the starting lineup again, especially considering the injuries to other key players.
Notably, Vinicius Junior is ruled out for the remainder of 2023, and the midfield duo of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga is unlikely to feature before the New Year.
Andriy Lunin, following his standout performance on matchday four, may get the nod in goal once more, as Kepa Arrizabalaga is still uncertain, and Thibaut Courtois is still sidelined for several months.
Napoli faces a dilemma at left-back due to Mathias Olivera's first-half injury in their recent win at Atalanta, joining Mario Rui on the injury list. Juan Jesus is the probable replacement given his versatility, while Amir Rrahmani and Natan are expected to start in the center.
Victor Osimhen, making a comeback after seven weeks, played a key role off the bench in the weekend win, assisting the winning goal. He could potentially replace Giacomo Raspadori in the starting XI.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:Lunin; Lucas Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Nacho; Valverde, Kroos, Brahim Diaz, Bellingham; Joselu, Rodrygo
Napoli possible starting lineup:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Natan, Juan Jesus; Lobotka, Zambo Anguissa, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Madrid 2-2 Napoli
Walter Mazzarri has had a challenging start at Napoli, and upcoming matches against Inter Milan and Juventus add to their tough domestic schedule. Although they managed to overcome a stern test in Bergamo over the weekend, replicating that performance here will pose a considerable challenge.
