One of the blockbuster fixtures of the 2023/24 Champions League group stage arrives on Tuesday night for Napoli vs Real Madrid at Stadio Armando Maradona.

Match Details:

• Location: Naples, Spain
• Stadium: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
• Date: Tuesday 3 October
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• Referee: Clement Turpin (FRA)
• VAR: Jerome Brisard (FRA)

👊 @vinijr #UCL pic.twitter.com/od8gdwKPLl

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 2, 2023

Napoli vs Real Madrid: Match Preview

Napoli and Real Madrid are all set to square up against each other after getting off to a perfect start with all three points in the UEFA Champions League group stage last time out. Both teams will be eager to take all three points from this game as it might end up deciding who finishes at the top spot in Group C.

The home team began their UCL campaign with a 2-1 win over SC Braga. Despite being the stronger team on paper, they were not really in control of the game and could have dropped points. But, thanks to an own goal by Sikou Niakate late in the second half, the Serie A champions managed to take home all three points.

💬 @RudiGarcia "La @ChampionsLeague è una competizione speciale. Abbiamo l'ambizione di entrare in campo e fare di tutto per vincere"#NapoliRealMadrid #UCL
💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/Tz6wJ6uOUv

— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) October 2, 2023

They will now square up against the most successful team in Champions League history and will look to get one better over them in their own backyard. Napoli are heading into this fixture on the back of a 4-0 win over Lecce and will be confident of putting up a great fight against Real Madrid.

The visitors did have a slip-up against city rivals Atletico Marid. But apart from that, they have been in sensational form since the start of the new season. Real Madrid started off their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over debutants Union Berlin.

🦵 @DaniCarvajal92
🦵 @nachofi1990 #UCL pic.twitter.com/e15yz5ZiDf

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 2, 2023

They were not really in total control of that game but ended up taking home all three points thanks to a late goal by summer signing Jude Bellingham. After losing to Atletico Madrid, they have bounced back with two consecutive wins in the league without conceding a goal.

Carlo Ancelotti's team will be confident heading into this fixture, but it won't be an easy one by any means. It is going to be a hard-fought encounter between two quality teams.

Team News:

Napoli:

The hosts will be without a pair of centre-halves on Tuesday as both Juan Jesus and Amir Rrahmani are out injured. That means summer arrival Natan and Leo Ostigard will continue as the starting pair.

🏋️‍♀️ Back to work

💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/cojYkN6Sal

— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) October 1, 2023

Garcia made a couple of changes to his side away at Lecce on Saturday, and we should see Osimhen and Matteo Politano return to the frontline.

Giacomo Raspadori is also pushing for a start.

Real Madrid:

Real Madrid were dealt an injury blow last week when David Alaba limped off in the win over Las Palmas. While the Austrian isn't expected to be sidelined for too long, he'll miss Tuesday's Champions League bout.

Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois are long-term absentees for the visitors, while Arda Guler endured an injury setback and will be out of action until the October international break.

💯 #UCL 💯
🎥 INSIDE TRAINING 🎥#RMPlay 👉 https://t.co/nRMSF58wDW pic.twitter.com/yDlIN4suyw

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) October 2, 2023

Luka Modric could return to the team on Tuesday, as could Rodrygo up top.

Napoli vs Real Madrid: Head to Head and Key Stats

• Real Madrid have an excellent record against Napoli and have won the last two matches that have been played between the two teams. Napoli are yet to defeat Real Madrid in an official fixture.
• Napoli have never defeated Real Madrid in European competitions and have played two sets of two-legged ties against Los Blancos, with their previous meeting taking place in the 2016-17 season.
• Real Madrid have won 14 of their last 15 matches against Italian opponents in the UEFA Champions League and have won each of their seven away games during this run.
• Real Madrid have won 28 out of their 48 matches against Italian opponents in the UEFA Champions League and are the most successful team against Serie A sides in the competition.

Predicted Line-ups:

Napoli predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Natan, Rui; Lobotka, Anguissa, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Napoli (4-3-1-2): Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Tchouameni, Valverde, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 is heading into its sixth match-week of the group phase as the qualification race is shaping up. The sixth match-week of the breathtaking UCL nights will commence with some nail-biting clashes on the very first matchday. Defending champions Real Madrid are going to take on a formidable Atalanta side at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy on 11 December 2024. The two teams recently faced off in the UEFA Super Cup Final in August, where Real Madrid won 2-0.

From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the League match of Atalanta vs Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. 

Match Details 

Match: Atalanta vs Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match

Date: 11 December 2024

Time: 1:30 AM IST

Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy 

How to watch the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match between Atalanta vs Real Madrid

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network. 

Team News

Atalanta

Atalanta have proved themselves as one of the most formidable sides to face this season, having won nine out of their last nine games across all competitions. The Nerazzurris have faced their last defeat against Como in the Serie A in September. Since then, Atalanta have beaten stalwarts such as Napoli, AS Roma, and AC Milan in the Serie A. Currently, they are leading the Serie A table with 34 points in 15 games. 

Atalanta are coming to their sixth UCL outing this season after back-to-back huge wins against AS Roma and AC Milan in their last game. They are remarkably one of three teams to stay undefeated so far in the Champions League this season. Atalanta is currently positioned 5th in the UCL table, having earned 11 points in 5 matches with 3 wins and 2 draws on the way. The Nerazzurris have won their last two UCL outings against Stuttgart and Young Boys, which will boost their confidence before taking on the reigning champions. 

🏃🔋🔥#AtalantaRealMadrid #UCL #GoAtalantaGo ⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/pLSLoLOJxx

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 9, 2024

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has the same squad from the AC Milan game at his disposal, and there can be some changes in the starting eleven as well. Gasperini still can not acquire the services of Gianluca Scamacca, Juan Cuadrado, and Giorgio Scalvini who are suffering from long-term injuries. Davide Zappacosta is on the squad but he is also doubtful for the game against Madrid.

I 22 convocati per la sfida ai Blancos ⚔️

Our squad list for tomorrow's clash 🔥#AtalantaRealMadrid #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/gx5GwI4p9Q

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 9, 2024

Atalanta are on a 9-match winning streak; which will surely be feared by the opponents and the Italian side will capitalize on their home advantage. They will also look for revenge for their defeat against Madrid in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup final in August. 

Last 5 Matches:  W W W W W 

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are in a turmoiled situation in the Champions League scenario this season, with 3 defeats in 5 games so far. However, no one can scrap them on a UCL night, especially when they are on the brink of despair. The Los Blancos always excel under pressure and they will try their best to do so after two consecutive defeats against AC Milan and Liverpool in the Champions League. 

🎯 #UCL 🎯
📺 INSIDE TRAINING 👉 #RMPlay
🔗 https://t.co/MzhEDGLTvC

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 9, 2024

Madrid are heading into the Atalanta game after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Girona in the LaLiga, as they are currently second in the league with 36 points in 16 matches. However, the face-off against Atalanta is a crucial game for the Blancos, as they are standing in the 24th position in the UCL table with 6 points in 5 games; with 2 wins and 3 defeats on the way. To elevate their chances of qualifying, Real Madrid must take three points from Gewiss Stadium tonight. 

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to field the starting eleven without the services of David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy who are all sidelined due to long-term injuries. 

📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
🆚 @Atalanta_BC#UCL pic.twitter.com/KShyrkhW1B

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 8, 2024

Real Madrid will leave no stone unturned to prove themselves again on the biggest stage of European club football. The team is familiar with their opponents tonight and they will try to replicate their performance from the Super Cup final.

Last 5 Matches: W L W L W 

Head-to-head 

Matches played: 3

Atalanta Wins: 0

Real Madrid Wins: 3

Draws: 0

Possible Playing XI

Atalanta

Marco Carnesecchi (GK); Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Sead Kolasinac; Raoul Bellanova, Marten De Roon, Ederson, Matteo Ruggeri; Charles De Ketelaere, Mario Retegui, Ademola Lookman

Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois (GK); Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Federico Valverde, Aurelin Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Atalanta and Real Madrid: Fantasy XI Prediction

Courtois, Djimsti, Rudiger, Bellanova, Vazquez, Ruggeri, Valverde, De Ketelaere, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Lookman 

Real Madrid secured a vital victory at Montilivi, defeating Girona 3-0 to keep pace in the La Liga title race. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute, continuing his fine form with goals in five consecutive league games.

First Half

Girona started strongly but created few clear chances. Van de Beek’s early effort went over the bar, while Real Madrid began imposing themselves midway through the first half. Brahim Díaz came close in the 34th minute, forcing a sharp save from Gazzaniga. Moments later, Bellingham capitalized on a loose clearance to break the deadlock.

Read Also | 5 Foreign Stars Who Have Scored Most Goals in Premier League History

Second Half

🙌 @KMbappe 🙌#GironaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/1rXP336KW2

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 7, 2024

Madrid intensified their attack after halftime, with Tchouaméni’s header and Güler’s strike testing Girona’s defense. Arda Güler doubled the lead in the 55th minute, calmly slotting home from Bellingham’s precise pass. Kylian Mbappé sealed the victory in the 62nd minute, finishing brilliantly from Luka Modrić's pinpoint through ball.

Read Also| Marc Guehi will receive no formal action by FA over his message on the armband issue

Despite Gazzaniga’s heroics, Real’s relentless pressure was too much for the hosts. This commanding win keeps Madrid in the title race and highlights their offensive depth and clinical edge as they continue their strong league campaign.

The club will be excitedly heading into next week's Champions League match.

Read Also| Saudi Arabia in talks to participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025

Final Score

Real Madrid- 3 (Bellingham 36', Guler 55', Mbappe' 62)

Girona- 0

Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the restructured global club football competition will bring together 32 teams from across the world to vie for the title of world champions.

The draw, held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Miami, showcased an impressive lineup of continental and domestic champions from every corner of the globe.

Among the standout contenders are Spain's Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, Brazil's Botafogo, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions, and Egypt's Al Ahly, who are consecutive CAF Champions League winners.

New Format

Traditionally featuring six to eight teams, the FIFA Club World Cup will now adopt a new format, hosting the largest number of participants in its history. Teams earned qualification by winning their respective continental club tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League, and based on the confederations' four-year rankings.

South America (CONMEBOL) includes six teams, whereas Europe (whose confederation is UEFA) has twelve, making up the largest representation of the 32 teams.

There are four teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (AFC), and Asia (AFC).

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was given a spot, as the domestic champions of the host country, Oceania (OFC) got one spot as well. The top two from each of the 8 groups will advance to the knockout stages after a round-robin group stage.

The final will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on 13 July.

Read Also | Substitutions that changed the football history

FIFA Club World Cup Groups

When is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States of America.

How many teams will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

A total of 32 teams from 6 continents will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Kylian Mbappe has issued an apologetic statement on Instagram claiming responsibility for Real Madrid's frustrating 1-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in LalIga last night. Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala saved Mbappe's attempt from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, ruining a huge chance for Madrid to grab an equalizer. Following the defeat, Mbappe posted a message to the fans on Instagram to convey an apology. 

Kylian Mbappe has issued this message after #RealMadrid's 2-1 defeat at Athletic Club this evening (via IG). pic.twitter.com/IkGrQaG8zM

— Football España (@footballespana_) December 4, 2024

Real Madrid faces a tough defeat 

Real Madrid spoiled a golden opportunity to decrease the points gap between them and league-leaders Barcelona, who are currently atop with 37 points in 16 matches. Real Madrid has accumulated 33 points so far, playing one game less than their eternal rivals. 

🔚 FINAL I GOOOOOAAAAAAZEEEEEEEEEN!

Enorme victoria del Athletic sobre el @realmadrid en un auténtico partidazo en San Mamés.

👏 ZORIONAK, MUTILAK! #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/uOq8lnB1lo

— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 4, 2024

The match against Athletic Bilbao has been a rollercoaster ride for Los Blancos, as Kylian Mbappe's early goal was ruled out for offside in the 12th minute. Both teams failed to produce any goal in the first half. Alejandro Remiro scored in the 53rd minute to hand Bilbao the lead. 15 minutes later, Kylian Mbappe took the penalty in search of the equalizer but Julen Agirrezabala came out on top to deny his strike. Jude Bellingham found the equalizer in the 78th minute of the game, but all their efforts remained unfruitful as Gorka Guruzeta scored the winning goal for Bilbao, only two minutes after Bellingham found the net. 

Real Madrid have already faced 5 defeats across all competitions this season, compared to their two defeats in the whole 2023-24 season. Athletic Bilbao has also found the winning ways against Real Madrid since March of 2015. 

Mbappe's woes continue

What should have been a dream take-off, turned into a dreadful dream for Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar has struggled to find his form for the Los Blancos. Although he has scored 10 goals in 20 games across all competitions, it does not equal or surpass the calibre he once provided in PSG and France shirts. 

This penalty miss against Athletic is Mbappe's second missed penalty in his Real Madrid career, while the first one came last week against Liverpool in Madrid's Champions League outing. On the other hand, Mbappe found the in the 12th minute but the flag was up for offside. Mbappe has been caught offside 22 times so far this season including last night!

However, these lackluster and inconsistent performances from Kylian Mbappe since the start of this season have taken a toll on his mental health. According to L'Equipe's reports in November 2024, Kylian Mbappe has been dealing with a psychological problem and emotionally devastated. Antoine Simonneau, a correspondent for 'L'Equipe' in Madrid, revealed to Carrusel Deportivo that Mbappe is the focus of many people’s anger in France. 

Mbappe also faced an unpleasant experience while dealing with France's national team coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps dropped Mbappe from France's squad for their UEFA Nations League clashes against Israel and Italy in November due to his poor form. 

However, Mbappe has issued a message via his Instagram story and offered hope for the fans. He said:

"Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take FULL responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show WHO I AM”.

Ancelotti backs Mbappe

Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his confidence in Mbappe. However, he admitted that the French superstar has yet to showcase his utmost potential. 

"He is at a lot more than just 1% (of his potential), but he's not at his best," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"However, we have to give him time to adapt (to Real Madrid). He has scored 10 goals and is working hard to improve and to do better.

"I haven't spoken to him yet. It was a complicated, even, hard-fought, competitive game. We missed a penalty... I don't evaluate a player's game because of a missed penalty... sometimes you score and sometimes you miss. Obviously, he's sad, disappointed, but we have to keep going."

via The Business Standard

Players who earn a place in the starting eleven crash into the headlines mostly, but those who come off the bench are never insignificant. Depending on the situation and for various other tactical and strategic moves, substitute players can make huge differences when things start getting tough on the pitch. 

Sportzpoint explores the greatest substitutions that changed the football history and remained folkloric.

Mario Gotze

(Germany vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup Final 2014)

Mario Gotze lived the dream of every footballer back in 2014 when he scored the only goal against Argentina in the Final to take Germany to their fourth World Cup glory. 

What a goal to win it! 🤯 🇩🇪 @MarioGoetze, #OnThisDay in 2014 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #FIFAWorldCup | @DFB_Team pic.twitter.com/gluKvx1o8v

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 13, 2022

Gotze came off the bench replacing the legendary Miroslav Klose, only two minutes before the full-time whistle but the game ended goalless. However, in the 113 minute of AET, Gotze received Schurrle's pass on the left and from a close range to the goal; and his left-footed strike fooled Argentina keeper Romero to end up in the goal. 

Argentina could not bounce back from this late setback and Germany lifted the World Cup 2014. Mario Gotze's substitution remained one of the most impactful in the history of football. 

Gareth Bale

(Real Madrid vs Liverpool, UCL Final 2017-18)

Gareth Bale admitted in an interview with FourFourTwo that he was very frustrated after not getting a start for Real Madrid in the 2017-18 UCL Final against Liverpool. However, Bale's fallout with Real Madrid's then-manager Zinedine Zidane led us to experience one of the greatest substitutions in the Champions League's history.

After a goalless first half, Karim Benzema opened the scoring in the 51st minute; but Sadio Mane only took 4 minutes to equalize for Liverpool. In the 61st minute, Bale replaced Isco but who would have thought that the Welshman was going to rewrite history and all by himself? 

#GoalOfTheDay | Gareth Bale vs Liverpool (2018) pic.twitter.com/B4dA2c4FV2

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 19, 2023

Only 3 minutes after Bale came on, Marcelo's cross found him in the box and Bale produced an acrobatic overhead volley, and the ball ended up in the net. Bale sealed the victory for Madrid in the 83rd minute with a rocketed strike which made Liverpool keeper Karius fumble and the ball went inside. Coming off the bench, Gareth Bale scored this heroic brace to lead Real Madrid to win their third consecutive UCL title.

Eder

(Portugal vs France, EURO 2016 Final)

Eder became an overnight sensation after slotting a late strike to win Portugal the EURO 2016, their first-ever major trophy in history. 

France and Portugal both wasted opportunities in the full-time but things became very wrong for Portugal way before. In the 25th minute, the talisman Cristiano Ronaldo faced a rough challenge from Dimitri Payet, and he was subbed off injured. However, Eder came off the bench in the 79th minute of the Final but the 90-minute of play ended in a stalemate of a 0-0 scoreline.

🇵🇹🚀 7 years ago today: Portugal beat France 1-0 in the EURO 2016 final courtesy of this goal from Éder in extra-time! pic.twitter.com/vsNwduJugw

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 10, 2023

But it was Eder, who only played 13 minutes in the tournament, stepped up and broke the deadlock to score the only goal in the final in the 109th minute. France could not produce a comeback as Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo lifted their first-ever major international trophy.

Ilkay Gundogan

(Manchester City vs Aston Villa, 2021-22 Premier League)

It was a neck-to-neck battle between Manchester City and Liverpool in the 2021-22 Premier League title race. Before heading into the last matchday on 22 May 2022, Manchester City was atop the table with 90 points in 37 matches and Liverpool was positioned just behind with 89 points in the same number of games.

Manchester City was set to face Aston Villa in the last match of the season and a win would ensure their fourth consecutive PL title. However, things did not go as planned for Pep Guardiola's men as Matty Cash scored for Villa in the 37th minute, and Philippe Coutinho extended the lead in the 69th minute. Coincidentally, Ilkay Gundogan replaced Bernardo Silva just one minute before Villa's second goal. Man City's title contender Liverpool was playing Wolves at the same time and they were held to a 1-1 draw after 70 minutes.

Run it back. ⏪@IlkayGuendogan's return to @ManCity has got us thinking about his iconic super-sub performance to help win the 2021/22 title 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/ENkxMiRUnQ

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 23, 2024

What happened afterward will always be written in golden words in the Premier League's history. It was Ilkay Gundogan who scored City's first goal in the 76th minute as his powerful header went in. Just two minutes later, Rodri placed a powerful strike to level the scoreline by 2-2 and City was back on top of the table.

𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴 🏆 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/DSU9p1cmcO

— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) May 29, 2022

It did not take much time for Gundogan to score his second and City's third as he put the ball inside with a close-range tap-in to almost win the league for City! The match eventually ended as City won the game by 3-2 and clinched their fourth consecutive PL title, all thanks to the German's magic after coming off the bench. 

Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 

(Manchester United vs Bayern Munich, 1998-99 UCL Final)

The world witnessed one of the greatest UCL finals ever on 27 May 1999 when Manchester United and Bayern Munich faced off for the coveted glory. Manchester United won the game by 2-1 in such an otherworldly manner that it still mesmerizes the next generation, and everything happened because of two substitute players, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

Bayern Munich took an early by scoring in the 6th minute of the match. Manchester United could not break the deadlock and headed into the break trailing 0-1. Teddy Sheringham replaced Jesper Blomqvist in the 67th minute and Solskjaer was brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson to replace Andy Cole in the 81st minute. 

On this day in 1999, Manchester United completed the historic treble after scoring two injury time goals to beat Bayern Munich! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/odhsJL5BqG

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 26, 2021

The game was in favour of Bayern even after 90 minutes but Sheringham slotted the ball home in just one minute into the injury time to equalize for the Red Devils. Solskjaer achieved the final glory with a simple tap-in only after two minutes, and thus the two substitutes led United to the Champions League victory.