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

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Benfica 2-0 Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Benfica secured a 2-0 victory over Napoli at home. The hosts took the lead in the 20th minute when Richard Ríos scored, assisted by Franjo Ivanović, giving Benfica an early edge despite Napoli holding more possession. Benfica, coming off a win against Ajax but with recent losses to Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Newcastle United, looked determined to build momentum, and they doubled their advantage shortly after the break through Leandro Barreiro in the 49th minute, assisted by Ríos.

Napoli, who had enjoyed a win over Qarabağ but suffered a heavy defeat to PSV recently, pushed for a response but couldn’t break through Benfica’s defence. Substitutions at half-time saw Leonardo Spinazzola replace Mathías Olivera and Matteo Politano come on for Sam Beukema, yet the visitors picked up yellow cards for Noa Lang in the 52nd minute and later Antonio Vergara in the 87th, disrupting their rhythm. Benfica managed the game well with late changes, including Vangelis Pavlidis and António Silva entering in the 76th minute, sealing a clean sheet and three points.

Napoli dominated possession with 60% of the ball compared to Benfica’s 40%, suggesting they controlled much of the play, but Benfica made the most of their opportunities on the counter. The visitors earned six corners to Benfica’s two, indicating more attacking territory, yet both sides matched each other with 33 successful dribbles, showing even individual flair despite the possession gap. Benfica recorded one assist while Napoli had none, highlighting the hosts’ sharper finishing, and with just one yellow card for Benfica against Napoli’s two, discipline favoured the winners without any reds or penalties influencing the outcome.

Substitutions saw Benfica use four, including double changes in the 76th minute where Vangelis Pavlidis replaced Franjo Ivanović and António Silva came on for Georgiy Sudakov, followed by late swaps with Tiago Freitas for Fredrik Aursnes in the 90+4th minute and José Neto for Leandro Barreiro a minute later. Napoli deployed all five, starting with half-time switches as Leonardo Spinazzola replaced Mathías Olivera and Matteo Politano came on for Sam Beukema, then Juan Jesus for Alessandro Buongiorno in the 59th, Lorenzo Lucca for Noa Lang in the 74th, and Antonio Vergara for Eljif Elmas in the 81st, but these failed to spark a comeback.

The game’s first decisive moment came in the 20th minute when Richard Ríos opened the scoring for Benfica, assisted by Franjo Ivanović, setting the tone for the hosts’ efficient approach. Benfica extended their lead early in the second half as Leandro Barreiro netted in the 49th minute, with Ríos providing the assist, effectively putting the match beyond Napoli’s reach. Napoli’s efforts were hampered by yellow cards, including one for Noa Lang in the 52nd minute and another for substitute Antonio Vergara in the 87th, while Benfica’s late substitutions in the 76th minute, with Vangelis Pavlidis replacing Franjo Ivanović and António Silva coming on for Georgiy Sudakov, helped them see out the win comfortably.

Benfica also picked up a yellow card for Amar Dedić in the 78th minute, but it didn’t disrupt their control, and further late changes like Tiago Freitas for Fredrik Aursnes in the 90+4th minute ensured fresh legs to maintain the clean sheet.

Benfica lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Richard Ríos and Leandro Barreiro forming a strong midfield partnership that proved key in both scoring and assisting the goals. Franjo Ivanović contributed early with an assist before being replaced by Vangelis Pavlidis in the 76th minute, while Georgiy Sudakov made way for António Silva at the same time, adding defensive solidity. Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro featured prominently until late substitutions saw Tiago Freitas and José Neto enter in added time.

Napoli deployed a 3-4-2-1 shape, relying on players like Noa Lang in attack until he was booked in the 52nd minute and later replaced by Lorenzo Lucca in the 74th. Half-time changes brought Leonardo Spinazzola on for Mathías Olivera and Matteo Politano for Sam Beukema to inject energy, while Alessandro Buongiorno was substituted by Juan Jesus in the 59th minute for defensive adjustments. Eljif Elmas played until Antonio Vergara came on in the 81st minute, though Vergara picked up a yellow card soon after.

Richard Ríos is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match after a standout performance where he scored one goal in the 20th minute and provided one assist for Leandro Barreiro’s strike in the 49th. He also delivered one key pass, helping Benfica make the most of their limited possession. Although he created no big chances, his direct contributions were pivotal in securing the 2-0 win.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Napoli (H)
• Win: 2-0 vs Ajax (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Newcastle United (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Chelsea (A)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Benfica (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Qarabağ (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Eintracht Frankfurt (H)
• Loss: 2-6 vs PSV (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Sporting CP (H)

Benfica have just beaten Napoli 2-0 at home, a result that builds on their recent win over Ajax but follows losses to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Newcastle United and Chelsea, leaving them in 25th place on 6 points. They next face Moreirense on 2025-12-14 at 18:00.

Napoli have just lost 0-2 to Benfica away, adding to a mixed run that includes a win over Qarabağ, a draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, a heavy defeat to PSV and a victory against Sporting CP, positioning them 23rd on 7 points. They next play Udinese on 2025-12-14 at 14:00, with the opposition currently TBC on TBC points. The fixture is crucial for Napoli to bounce back and avoid slipping further in the league.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.