Napoli’s journey in the Champions League continued in a triumphant fashion as they clinched a convincing 2-0 victory over Braga, paving their way into the knockout stages. The match, played at the iconic Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, witnessed an energetic display from the Italian side, who have been in formidable form this season.

The game started with Braga missing an early opportunity to take the lead, only to be countered by Napoli’s relentless pressure. The deadlock was broken in the 9th minute, albeit in an unexpected fashion. A mix-up in the Braga defence led to Serder Saatci inadvertently sending the ball into his own net, giving Napoli a 1-0 lead.

Napoli’s dominance continued, and in the 33rd minute, Victor Osimhen, fresh from winning the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year, doubled their advantage. A beautifully orchestrated move down the left flank by Natan culminated in Osimhen scoring a crucial goal, his seventh of the season.

Despite Braga’s attempts to claw back into the game, including a powerful long-range effort from Ricardo Horta, Napoli’s defence stood firm. Alex Meret, Napoli’s goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in keeping a clean sheet with some crucial saves.

The match was also notable for Napoli breaking their six-match winless streak at their home ground. This victory was a significant morale boost for the team, especially for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who, despite struggling to find form, will have another opportunity to shine in the upcoming knockout stages.

The result ensured Napoli finished their group stage campaign with 10 points, sitting comfortably in second place in Group C, behind Real Madrid. Braga, on the other hand, will continue their European journey in the Europa League. This match marked a significant milestone for Napoli, showcasing their potential to be a formidable force in the knockout stages of the Champions League.