#3 Real Madrid's European expertise was on show against Napoli
After falling behind eight minutes into the game, Real Madrid got hold of the game quickly and started stamping their authority on the game. Karim Benzema levelled the scores and had enough chances to complete a brace in the first half itself. The second half saw a more emphatic performance from the hosts as Toni Kroos and Casemiro took the tie beyond Napoli as Real ended the first leg with a two-goal advantage heading to the San Paolo stadium.
Napoli played fearlessly but it was Real's shrewdness and work rate that got them through. Zidane was quick to capitalise on the Italian club’s weakness in the game where he instructed Ronaldo to play on the flanks and cut inside and also to use space available on the edge of the box.
These small details caused havoc in Napoli's camp as they succumbed under few, but well drilled Madrid's chances, though they had more clear-cut opportunities than the hosts.