The Azzurri lose at the Dragao
Napoli fell to defeat in Portugal in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase Matchday 4.
The match got off to a difficult start for the Azzurri. Just 11 minutes in, Jan Bednarek rose to meet a corner kick, heading the ball into the corner of the net to make it 1-0 to the Portuguese hosts.
Napoli fought back, growing into the game, and a goal by Kevin De Bruyne was disallowed due to a very narrow offside call. However, the equaliser came in the 43rd minute following a sustained attacking spell. Matteo Politano curled a shot from the right edge of the box, which Diogo Costa parried. De Bruyne then collected the rebound on the left and crossed for Rasmus Hojlund, whose left-footed effort was again saved by Costa, only for Scott McTominay to arrive and smash a left-footed strike in just under the crossbar to make it 1-1.
The second half remained balanced until a goal swung the momentum in favour of the hosts, when Gabri Veiga broke into the box and scored with his left foot to make it 2-1. Then, in the 80th minute, Jakub Kiwior headed home from another corner kick to give Porto a clear lead. In the dying moments Rafa Marin committed a foul on Samu Aghehowa inside the box, resulting in a penalty and a red card for the Spanish defender. Samu then converted from the spot to seal the win.
Here’s what coach Max Allegri had to say after the encounter:
“Unfortunately, we conceded a goal from a set-piece early on, and they did well to take the lead. I’m disappointed because we’re going through a difficult period, but I can’t fault the lads for anything tonight.
“The team showed dedication and determination, despite the limited number of players available to us. We still put in a decent performance, both physically and technically. However, by the 70th minute, I didn't have many options on the bench, and our levels dipped. In other situations I might’ve been angry, but not tonight - because, as I said before, the lads did well.
“Difficult periods occur throughout a season and obstacles are part of football - you have to be capable of overcoming them. We need to focus on what we have to do and prepare for a very important match on Sunday, so that we can bounce back right away.”
Porto 4-1 Napoli (HT 1-1)
Scorers: Bednarek 11, McTominay 43, Gabri Veiga 71, Kiwior 80, Samu 90
PORTO: Diogo Costa; Martim Fernandes (Sanusi 67), Bednarek, Kiwior, Alberto Costa; Gabriel Veiga (Fofana 78), Rosario, Froholdt; Sainz (Gimenez 67), Andre Silva (Samu 56), Pepe (H. In-beom 78).
Coach: Farioli.
NAPOLI: Meret; Beukema, Rafa Marin, Rrahmani; Politano (Lucca 81), Anguissa (Noa Lang 79), Gilmour, McTominay, Vergara (Giovane 79), De Bruyne; Hojlund.
Coach: Allegri
Referee: Oliver (England) Booked: Vergara, Anguissa, Rrahmani, McTominay, Gabri Veiga
