Ancelotti: How Madrid Caged Osimhen in UCL Win over Napoli 

Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has shed light on how his team successfully contained Victor Osimhen during their encounter with Napoli on Tuesday.  

The Diego Maradona Stadium played host to the clash that ended Napoli’s 14-match unbeaten run in the tournament. 

Osimhen was expected to be a standout player for Napoli in the encounter as he arrived on the back of netting goals in two consecutive Serie A games. 

However, facing Real Madrid proved to be a different challenge for the Super Eagles striker, as he found himself under constant surveillance by two defenders. 

Although Osimhen managed to win a penalty for Napoli’s second goal, it was ultimately in vain, as Real Madrid secured a 3-2 away victory. 

At the post-match press conference, Ancelotti was questioned about whether he had deployed former Chelsea defender Rudiger to man-mark Osimhen during the match. 

The former AC Milan manager acknowledged the necessity of double-marking a player of Osimhen’s caliber. 

“We wanted to be two against one with him (Osimhen), the central defenders did very well and didn’t give him any space behind them.” 

He further added, “Against Osimhen, it’s difficult not to suffer, especially on aerial balls, but we did well.” 

Osimhen, who netted five goals in the UEFA Champions League last term, was a key factor in Napoli’s historic journey to the quarterfinal stage. 

In the current season, he is still seeking his first goal in the competition after facing Braga and Real Madrid.