Manchester City began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a statement performance, defeating Napoli 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night. Goals from Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku sealed the victory as Pep Guardiola’s side overcame an early challenge against the Serie A champions as reported by Softfootball.
The night had added significance with the emotional return of Kevin De Bruyne who was greeted with rapturous applause and banners in his honour. However, the Belgian’s involvement was short-lived as Antonio Conte sacrificed him after Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s red card forced Napoli into an early chage.
Napoli’s resistance was largely thanks to goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić who produced a string of excellent saves to keep City at bay until the breakthrough came early in the second half. Phil Foden’s clever flick set up Haaland for his 50th Champions League goal, before Doku’s dazzling solo run doubled the lead capping off a dominant display.
The result left City fans happy while the Serie A champions were disappointed, with many taking to X to praise the team’s resilience and attacking quality. Some Manchester City fans are confident one of their stars is back to his best after his performance against Napoli on Thursday night.
On X, @City_Chief hailed the Belgian winger’s return to form, he wrote:
EREMY DOKU. HE MAKES IT 2-0. HE’S BACK AND BRILLIANT.
Meanwhile, @LoyalCityKing was quick to defend Doku from past critics:
To all of you who used to hate on Jeremy Doku, you need to be ashamed of yourselves.
@CTID326376 commented:
Jeremy Doku. When we have a little patience with players… this is what we get!!! What a gem.
@Dhavidote added:
Good game from the lads, especially Doku, Foden, Reijnders, Rodri, Haaland and even Khusanov.
Others reflected on the turning point of the match. @LoyalCityKing wrote:
How differently would it have turned if not for the sending off? Lovely game at the Etihad, Haaland 50 UCL goals!
Some supporters looked beyond the night, with @SirDavis01 declaring:
Man City is not Chelsea. We are the real blues. Let’s teach them how to play football—the real kings of England is City!
Others were full of praise for summer signing goalkeeper, @drummervince52 wrote:
Donnarumma is making a difference and might be player of the year for them at the end of the season.
@ayoo_43 added:
I cannot remember the last time we went back to back clean sheets, thank you Donnarumma.
While Man City fans were celebrating, some Napoli fans were quick to point out some interesting facts about the Serie A Champions.
@sportingshina commented:
Napoli have failed to win any of their 13 away games against English sides in Europe (D3 L10), with three of those encounters coming against Man City (D1 L2). Local champions. lol
@Mr_____Negative wrote:
Cowards. Didn’t even try lol A man down isn’t an excuse as you are professionals. Pathetic.
Ahead of a trip to title rivals Arsenal on Sunday, Guardiola could afford the luxury of resting Haaland and Rodri during the closing stages, which resembled a training exercise as City stroked the ball around at will.
Manchester City’s season got off to an underwhelming start with two defeats in their opening three Premier League games to Tottenham and Brighton.
But Guardiola’s side have steadied the ship through two-thirds of a huge week after a convincing 3-0 derby win over Manchester United at the weekend.
The performance against Napoli on Thursday night coupled with the fans’ enthusiasm suggests Guardiola’s men are already setting the tone for another strong Champions League campaign.
