UCL: Napoli Edges Past Braga with Late Own Goal

Serie A champions Napoli secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Braga in their opening Champions League match. Italian champions Napoli faced a stern challenge from Braga in their Champions League opener, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory thanks to an 88th-minute own goal by Braga defender Sikou Niakate.

Napoli's captain, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time after an assist from Victor Osimhen. However, Braga fought back with a goal from Bruma, only to see their efforts undone by Niakate's unfortunate deflection off a cross from Piotr Zielinski.

Napoli had several chances throughout the match, with Osimhen hitting the crossbar in the first half. Despite not achieving the same level of dominance as in last year's group stage, where they won five of six matches and scored 20 goals, Napoli's victory was a positive start to their Champions League campaign.

In the other Group C match, 14-time champion Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win over newcomer Union Berlin, with Jude Bellingham scoring in stoppage time.

It was Braga's first Champions League group game in 11 years, having advanced through two qualifying rounds, while Napoli is still adjusting to the leadership of new coach Rudi Garcia, following Luciano Spalletti's departure after leading the club to their first Serie A title in decades.

SportsLigue