Napoli 0-1 Arsenal: Ødegaard Strikes Late to Upset the Serie A Champions
Arsenal opened their 2026/27 Champions League league phase with a statement 1-0 win away at Serie A champions Napoli, Martin Ødegaard's 75th-minute strike settling a tight, goalless contest at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday, September 9.
Ødegaard's Late Strike Settles a Tense Night in Naples
Both sides struggled to create clear chances for most of the match, with Antonio Conte's Napoli — champions of Italy last season — unable to break down a well-organized Arsenal defense.
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute: Christos Tzolis, on for Arsenal, set up Ødegaard, who finished from close range to give the visitors the lead they wouldn't relinquish.
A Response to 2026 Heartbreak
It's a strong start for Arsenal, who arrive in this Matchday 1 campaign still stinging from the 2026 final, where they topped the league phase with a perfect record but lost to PSG on penalties.
For Napoli, it's a first taste of life in the new league phase as reigning Serie A champions — a tough opening result against a side determined to go one better than last season.