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Real Madrid made a stunning comeback to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory against Napoli in their Champions League Group C match on Tuesday. The Spanish side's keeper, Alex Meret, scored an unfortunate own goal in the second half, handing the victory to Real Madrid. Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham both found the back of the net for Real in the first half, cancelling out a Leo Ostigard header for Napoli. However, Piotr Zielinski's penalty early in the second half drew Napoli level. Real Madrid ultimately clinched the win in the 78th minute, as Federico Valverde's long-range shot ricocheted off the crossbar and onto Meret's head before deflecting into the net.
With Vinicius and Bellingham causing havoc for Napoli's defense, Real Madrid started the game strongly. It was Vinicius's second match back from a leg injury, and he looked explosive, forming a strong partnership with Bellingham. Napoli took the lead with Ostigard's header in the 19th minute after Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, failed to clear a corner. However, Real Madrid quickly recovered with goals from Vinicius and Bellingham within seven minutes.
Bellingham's goal in particular showcased his exceptional dribbling skills, as he evaded three Napoli defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner. Napoli came back into the game early in the second half, equalizing with Zielinski's penalty in the 54th minute. Real Madrid's players and coach Carlo Ancelotti were furious with the decision, as they believed the ball deflected off Nacho's boot before hitting his hand.
Napoli pushed for a win, with their fans cheering them on in a sold-out stadium. They came close to scoring with a strike from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but it went just wide. Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Arrizabalaga, made three impressive saves from Victor Osimhen's close-range efforts. Luka Modric, a veteran midfielder, had a significant impact on the game when he came off the bench. He set up Bellingham with a golden opportunity, but the striker missed from close range. However, Modric's corner three minutes later led to Valverde's match-winning goal, as his long-range shot deflected off Meret's head and into the net.
Ancelotti praised Modric for his contribution to the game, stating that the midfielder brought control and experience to the team when they needed it most. With this victory, Real Madrid currently tops Group C with six points from two games, three points ahead of Napoli and Braga. Union Berlin remains at the bottom of the group with no points.
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