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After nearly three months since their last Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund in the Group Stage, Real Madrid is back under the spotlight as they prepare to take on Serie A giants Napoli Wednesday night in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
Madrid will be heading into the match after a successful outing against Osasuna where the Los Blancos found themselves traveling home with a 3-1 win. Goals in the match came from Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco, and Lucas Vazquez.
Napoli is enjoying a bit of a hot streak at the moment as well. In the Italian side’s last two games, they found themselves racking up an impressive nine goals. Napoli’s three stars Merek Hamsik, Lorenzo Insigne, and Dries Mertens are all in top form, meaning they will give Madrid a run for their money.
PROJECTED STARTING XI:
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Vazquez, Ronaldo, Benzema
Napoli: Reina; Maggio, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Zielinski, Diawara, Hamsik; Giaccherini, Mertens, Insigne
Player to Watch: As per usual, the player fans need to watch is Real Madrid’s very own star, Cristiano Ronaldo. After sitting out of training on Monday, the Portuguese winger opted to train in the gym two days prior to the first leg against Napoli. The injury has been reported to have subsided which ultimately suggests that he will fine. However, viewers should keep their eye on the Ronaldo in case the injury returns.
X-Factor: Although Madrid is seen as favorites for Wednesday’s match, they should not expect an easy outing against Napoli. The Italian club currently lead the Serie A with the most goals scored, currently holding 57 goals to their name in 24 matches (2.375 goals per match). With an offense led by Italian speedster Lorenzo Insigne, Madrid’s defense will need to be on their toes.
Time and Location: Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 2:45 PM EST at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain
Prediction: Madrid 2-0
How to watch
Available TV: FOX Sports 2 (USA), BeIN Sports (Spain).
Available streaming: FOX Sports GO (USA), Fubo.TV (EVERY Real Madrid game with a high-quality and legal stream, click here to sign up and benefit from a huge offer for new members and Managing Madrid readers).
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.
Staff Predictions
| Result (1) | Score (2) | Goal Scorers (3) | Total Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result (1) | Score (2) | Goal Scorers (3) | Total Score | |
| Om | RM Win | 2-1 | CR7, Ramos; Higuaín | 42 |
| Kiyan | RM Win | 3-1 | Benz, CR7, Asensio; Pjanic | 45 |
| Timm | RM Win | 2-1 (RM win extra time) | CR7, Ramos; Dybala | 41 |
| Mike | - | - | - | 34 |
| Lucas | RM Loss | 1-2 | CR7; Higuaín, Dybala | 26 |
| Nate | RM Win | 4-2 | -CR7x2, Bale, Morata; Higuain, Dybala | 47 |
| Marc | - | - | - | 3 |
| Lewis | - | - | - | 10 |
| Tommy | RM Loss | 1-2 | Benz; Higuaín, Mandzukic | 19 |
| Naguib | RM Win | 2-0 | CR7, Bale | 29 |
| Vicki | - | - | - | 1 |
| Ondra | RM Win | 2-0 | CR7, Ramos | 18 |
| Jack | RM Win | 2-2 (RM win on pk's 4-3) | CR7, Ramos; Dybala x2 | 6 |
| Matt | RM Win | 1-0 | CR7 | 8 |
| Sam | RM Win | 2-1 | - | 1 |
| José | RM Win | 3-1 | CR7 x2, Morata; Mandzukic | 3 |