Napoli Honors Maradona With Emotional Win and McTominay Brace in Champions League

Napoli experienced an emotional night on the anniversary of Diego Armando Maradona’s passing, sealing the tribute with a solid 2–0 victory over Qarabag in the stadium that proudly carries the Argentine legend’s name.

Qarabag pressed hard from the start, disrupting Napoli’s rhythm and forcing Conte’s team to rely on the speed of Lang and Neres on the wings. Napoli struggled early to break free from tight marking, but found its spark through an inspired David Neres, who created nearly every dangerous chance in the first half and carried the team when the match grew complicated.

In the second half, everything shifted. Qarabag lost physical sharpness, while Napoli increased their tempo with the introduction of Politano. Højlund’s missed penalty could have been a setback, but Napoli stayed calm. Just minutes later, McTominay rose above the defense with a powerful header off a corner — finally breaking open a difficult match.

With the lead, Napoli played with freedom and confidence. Neres became the offensive engine, nearly scoring a stunning chip that hit the crossbar, then again influencing the play for 2–0. After work down the left side, Olivera sent in the assist for McTominay, who sealed his brace with a half-bicycle kick that deflected off Jankovic. The second half clearly showed how Neres’ individual quality changed the game — he won duels, drove transitions, and connected cleanly in the final third, lifting Napoli as the minutes passed.

Qarabag stopped generating danger, while Napoli managed the rhythm until the end. Conte tightened the structure, the team responded with energy, and the fans celebrated a meaningful victory that strengthens Napoli’s Champions League campaign and honors Maradona with a performance worthy of his legacy. The final whistle confirmed Napoli’s undefeated home record throughout all of 2025, wrapping up a perfect night: tribute to Maradona, victory, and a decisive McTominay alongside a brilliant Neres.