Ramos Headers Send Real Madrid Through To Quarter Finals

1 Min Read

Real Madrid came from a goal down against Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie to progress to the quarter-finals.

Napoli were utterly dominant in a one-sided first half and took the lead on 24 minutes when Marek Hamsik put Dries Mertens through on goal as Real’s defence went missing.

But captain Sergio Ramos netted one and had another header deflected in by Mertens after the break to put the holders in control.

Alvaro Morata then followed up Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot to complete a comfortable victory.

Real’s defensive weakness was perfectly exploited by Napoli’s game plan in the first-half – a high-press put Pepe and Marcelo under pressure before Hamsik threaded a perfect through ball to Mertens who finished well in the bottom corner.

But the Italian side ultimately failed to take their other chances – Hamsik fizzed multiple shots wide before Mertens hit the woodwork and Real eventually made them pay.

The Spanish giants have now reached their seventh successive Champions League quarter-final and are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League matches (W7, D5); their longest run without defeat in the Champions League or European Cup.

TAGGED: ,
Share this Article