Matteo Politano feels Napoli ‘dominated’ Real Madrid in the second half of their Champions League thriller and were left with ‘regrets’ at the 3-2 defeat.
Leo Ostigard had put the hosts in front with a header from a set play, before Jude Bellingham created one for Vinicius Junior and scored the second himself with a sensational slalom.
Piotr Zielinski stepped up to convert a contentious penalty for Nacho handball, but the Federico Valverde scorcher from distance hit the bar and went in off the back of unlucky Alex Meret’s head.
“After a strong start, we had a 10-minute blackout where we allowed two goals. I think we dominated the second half, as for 20 minutes Real Madrid could not get out of their own penalty area,” Politano told Sky Sport Italia.
“We are left with regrets and bitterness after this defeat, but also know we are on the right track.”
Eduard Camavinga was a makeshift left-back for Real Madrid in a reshuffled defence.
“We certainly could’ve done better in front of goal on two or three occasions, but Real Madrid remain a great team and we played on a par with them today.”