Napoli  see off Qarabag 2-0 on night of Maradona tribute

Scott McTominay proved the difference maker on an emotional night in Naples, scoring the opener and forcing an own goal as Napoli defeated Qarabag 2-0 to revive their Champions League campaign on the fifth anniversary of Diego Maradona’s death.

In a contest where teammates faltered—most notably Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund, who missed a penalty—the Scottish midfielder stepped up to ensure Antonio Conte’s side secured a much-needed three points.

The victory lifts Napoli to 18th in the 36-team league phase standings on seven points, level with their opponents, and boosts their chances of reaching the knockout rounds after a stuttering start to the competition.

McTominay breaks the resistance

For an hour, it appeared to be a night of frustration for the hosts. Qarabag, who arrived in Italy with confidence, having already beaten Benfica and drawn with Chelsea, set out to frustrate Napoli and relied on the heroics of goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.

The tension broke in the 65th minute. McTominay, displaying his trademark instinct for arriving late in the box, reacted sharpest to a rebound to head past Kochalski from close range.

Seven minutes later, the game was put beyond doubt. McTominay connected with an acrobatic volley that was inadvertently turned into his own net by Qarabag defender Marko Jankovic.

Hojlund’s struggles continue

While McTominay flourished, his former Manchester United teammate Rasmus Hojlund endured a difficult evening. The Danish striker, currently on loan in Naples, extended his goal drought to six matches after squandering a golden opportunity to break the deadlock.

In the 56th minute, Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was tripped inside the area, resulting in a penalty. Hojlund stepped up, but Kochalski guessed correctly, diving to his left to parry the effort.

Hojlund’s misery was compounded later when he headed wide from a corner while unmarked. When he was eventually substituted, he raised his hands in apology to the home supporters, cutting a dejected figure as he left the field.

A Tribute to a Legend

The match was played against a backdrop of poignant remembrance. November 25 marked five years since the passing of Diego Maradona, the Argentine icon who led Napoli to their greatest historical successes.

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was in full voice, with the game briefly becoming secondary in the 10th minute as the entire stadium chanted Maradona’s name, honouring his iconic shirt number.

Match Context and What’s Next

Despite a dull first half where David Neres saw a bicycle kick saved, Napoli eventually overpowered a Qarabag side that offered little attacking threat aside from early exchanges.

The result is a stabiliser for Conte, whose side had won only one of their opening four European fixtures.

Napoli now face a high-profile trip to Lisbon on December 10 to face Benfica, managed by former Roma and Inter boss Jose Mourinho. Qarabag, who drop to 16th place, will host Ajax in Azerbaijan on the same day.

Match Stats