Napoli is preparing to challenge Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on the second day of the Champions League group stage, in a match that promises to be crucial for both teams. After a turbulent start to the season, both the Spanish and Italian clubs suffered debut defeats and are looking to claw back valuable points to consolidate their position in European competition.
Villarreal have conceded five of their last seven matches of the season, with only two consecutive victories before the break. Despite their first win of the season, the team lost again to Real Madrid in the Serie A final, leaving the club with just eight points in the league. In the Champions League, the submarines are still scoreless, after the 3‑2 defeat against Borussia Dortmund. Napoli, by contrast, returned to form after the break, with a 3‑0 win against Frosinone representing their third consecutive league result, improving their position in the league table.
Coach Allegri, after failing in his European debut against Arsenal, is determined to find a turning point in the Champions League too. Napoli, who won both the first and second legs against Villarreal in the 2011/12 season with 2‑0 in both matches, have a historic advantage in the competition. However, the last time they met, in 2015/16 in the Europa League, the match at San Paolo ended 1-1, with Villarreal qualifying for the group stage thanks to a first-leg victory.
Among the possible protagonists of the match, the Belgian Kevin DeBruyne is in extraordinary form for Napoli, with four goals in the last two matches, including a brace for the national team against Turkey and a league goal against Frosinone. His presence could be decisive for the Neapolitan team, which seeks to return to form on the international stage.
The match will take place on Tuesday 13 October at 9pm. Spectators will be able to follow the match on Sky Sport, with the possibility of streaming on Sky Go and NOW TV. With both teams looking for points, the match promises to be a balanced and decisive match for the Champions League group stage.