Manchester City 2-0 Napoli: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Manchester City 2-0 Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday, 18 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Manchester City's commanding 2-0 victory over Napoli in the Champions League showcased their dominance at home. The result was not surprising given City's recent form, with a convincing win against Manchester United in the Premier League prior to this match. Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku scored the goals that sealed the win, extending City's unbeaten run in the competition. Napoli, on the other hand, saw their impressive run of four consecutive wins come to an end, highlighting the challenge they faced against a formidable City side.

The game's turning point came early when Napoli's Giovanni Di Lorenzo received a red card, leaving his team a man down for most of the match. This numerical disadvantage was a significant factor in the outcome, as City capitalised on their extra man to control the game. Despite Napoli's valiant efforts, City's superior quality and tactical discipline shone through, with Doku's goal in the 65th minute putting the result beyond doubt. This victory solidifies Manchester City's position as a top contender in the Champions League.

The statistics from the match clearly reflect Manchester City's dominance, with 74% ball possession compared to Napoli's 26%. City's control was further evidenced by their nine corners to Napoli's two, showcasing their ability to create scoring opportunities. Napoli's disciplinary issues, with one yellow card and one red card, contrasted sharply with City's clean sheet in terms of cards, highlighting the difference in team discipline. The significant disparity in possession and the number of corners align perfectly with the final scoreline, underscoring City's superior performance on the night.

The match's pivotal moment occurred early when Napoli's Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off after a VAR review, drastically altering the game's dynamics. This red card in the 21st minute left Napoli with ten men for the majority of the match, making their task much harder. Manchester City capitalised on this advantage, with Erling Haaland breaking the deadlock in the 56th minute, a goal that shifted the momentum firmly in City's favor. Jeremy Doku's goal in the 65th minute sealed the victory, ensuring City's dominance and securing the three points.

Manchester City lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Erling Haaland leading the attack and Jérémy Doku providing flair on the wing. The lineup was as expected, with no major surprises, and the team's performance was a testament to their tactical cohesion. Substitutions, including the likes of Sávio Moreira de Oliveira and Oscar Bobb, maintained the team's momentum and energy. Haaland and Doku's goals were crucial, highlighting their impact on the game and justifying their starting positions.

Napoli deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo's early red card disrupting their plans significantly. The lineup featured a mix of experienced players and young talents, but the numerical disadvantage proved too much to overcome. Substitutions like Mathías Olivera Miramontes and Eljif Elmas were made in an attempt to adapt to the situation, but Napoli struggled to create meaningful chances. The team's performance was hampered by the early dismissal, which overshadowed any individual contributions.

Jérémy Doku earned Bwin’s Man of the Match award for his standout performance against Napoli. His goal in the 65th minute was a decisive moment in the game, showcasing his ability to impact the scoreline directly. Doku's four key passes further demonstrated his creativity and influence on the pitch, making him a crucial part of Manchester City's victory. His performance was a testament to his skill and importance to the team.

• Win: 2-0 vs Napoli (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Manchester City (A)

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