Ramos scores brace, Madrid beats Napoli 3-1

Real Madrid came from behind to secure a 3-1 away win against Napoli as the European Champions are through to the quarter finals with a 6-2 aggregate score.

Knowing that they need to put pressure if they are going to have any chance of going through, Napoli took the initiative in the early stages of the match and were close after seven minutes. Marek Hamsik hit a low shot from outside the penalty area that ended up slightly wide. 

The Italian team had another chance on the 13th minute. This time it was Lorenzo Insigne who fired a shot from distance that was parried by Keylor Navas for a corner. 

Real Madrid responded five minutes later. Gareth Bale received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and sent a shot that was neutralised by Pepe Reina. 

Napoli’s efforts paid off on the 24th Minute as they went ahead. Hamsik sent a through ball towards Dries Mertens who went inside the penalty area and finished past the opposing goalkeeper. 

Conscious that they can’t sit back the whole ninety minutes, Real Madrid tried to hit back and were unlucky not to equalise on the 28th minute. Karim Benzema served Cristiano Ronaldo inside the penalty area and the latter saw his effort hitting the post. 

However, in their next chance on goal, Napoli hit the post as well on the 37th minute. Following a free kick, Allan sent a through ball for Mertens to race on to, and the Belgian curled the ball on to the outside of the post. 

Real Madrid started the second half on the break and were close through Benzema. The French forward received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired a quick drive that hit the side netting. 

Zinedine Zidane’s side equalised on the 52nd minute. From a corner, Toni Kroos sent a cross inside the penalty area towards Sergio Ramos. The Real Madrid captain jumped high and head home from close range. 

Incredibly, Sergio Ramos scored again four minutes later from an identical situation. Following another corner, Kroos sent a cross towards the Spanish defender who headed past Reina once more. 

Napoli replied on the 65th minute. Marko Rog tried to make space for him on the edge of the penalty area, but his shot went high of the desired target. 

The European Champions could have scored again on the 83rd minute. Daniel Carvajal went ahead of Amadou Diawara and hit a half volley that ended up off target. 

In the additional time given by the referee, Real Madrid made the score 3-1. Marcelo sent a brilliant ball towards Ronaldo who had his effort blocked by Reina. Substitute Alvaro Morata was at the right place at the right time and finished inside the net from the rebound.