Champions League: History chasing Ancelotti wary of Osimhen’s threat as Madrid host Napoli
Real Madrid host Napoli on MS5 of the 2023-24 Champions League group stages on Wednesday evening, knowing that a victory over the Italian champions would ensure that they are a top seed for the knockout stage draw, which takes place in December.
Los Blancos would ensure top spot in Group C with three points, although with several players ruled out for the match due to injury, it will be difficult to secure the win against Napoli.
If they are able to do so, it would also be a historic moment for head coach Carlo Ancelotti. If the Italians lead Real Madrid to victory over his former side, he will match Miguel Munoz’s tally of 41 victories in the European Cup/Champions League.
Ancelotti has currently won 40 Champions League matches as Real Madrid manager, and he can join Munoz on 41 if he adds another victory to his collection on Wednesday. If Los Blancos do win, Ancelotti can then hold the record outright with a victory over Union Berlin in two weeks’ time.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti has identified Victor Osimhen as a threat to his side.
Osimhen has made just two appearances for Napoli in the competition this season due to injury.
The Nigeria international made an instant impact on his return to action at the weekend grabbing an assist in Napoli’s 2-1 win at Atalanta last weekend.
Ancelotti labelled Osimhen a complete striker, who would be a threat to his side.
“Kvara is formidable one-on-one, Osimhen is a complete attacker, very strong with his head and in transitions,” Ancelotti told Napoli Magazine.
“We took all this into account in the first leg, and we will try to take it into account tomorrow too.”
