MADRID, Spain – In the lead-up to their UEFA Champions League encounter on Tuesday, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has singled out Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and Georgian footballer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the players his side needs to
be wary of.
Speaking to the press during a pre-match conference on Monday, Ancelotti praised Napoli’s forwards for their recent impressive performances. He acknowledged their rise in quality over the past year, describing them as top-level players with exceptional talent and distinct attributes. Ancelotti emphasized that Kvaratskhelia’s strength in one-on-one situations and Osimhen’s overall danger on the field make them significant threats.
Real Madrid’s boss also stressed the importance of his team delivering a disciplined and comprehensive performance to secure a favorable outcome. He acknowledged that facing one of Italy’s best teams would be a challenging task due to Napoli’s quality, individual abilities, and the electric atmosphere they generate.
Regarding his English midfielder Jude Bellingham, Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with Bellingham’s seamless integration into the team, highlighting the young player’s exceptional quality. Ancelotti brushed aside discussions about whether Bellingham is the world’s best, stating his belief that Real Madrid boasts the best team globally.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen aims to continue his impressive goal-scoring form in the Champions League. Since his €70 million transfer from Lille three years ago, the Nigerian striker has notched up 64 goals and 15 assists for Napoli in 109 appearances across all competitions. Osimhen was particularly prolific in last season’s Champions League, netting five goals. In the current league campaign, he has already scored five goals in seven appearances. Napoli’s Champions League journey last season ended in the quarter-finals at the hands of Serie A rivals AC Milan.
History favors Real Madrid, as Napoli has lost three of their last four encounters against the Spanish giants, with the only draw dating back to the 1987/88 first-round, second-leg tie in Naples.
The stage is set for an exciting Champions League showdown as Real Madrid and Napoli prepare to face off, with the spotlight on Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia, and the rising star Jude Bellingham.