Odegaard’s late strike lifts Arsenal past Napoli in Champions League opener

Arsenal secured three points in Naples after Martin Odegaard’s long‑range strike gave them a 2‑1 victory in the Champions League group stage opener. Al Jazeera reported that the Norwegian midfielder found the net in the 78th minute, ending a match in which Arsenal had controlled possession but struggled to finish.

The English club dictated the early tempo, generating numerous chances and outshooting the home side, yet the first half concluded without a goal. Napoli, playing at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, responded after the break with a header from Matteo Politano that put the visitors on the back foot. Arsenal’s relentless pressure paid off when Odegaard unleashed a curling effort from outside the box that slipped past goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highlighted the need for greater clinical finishing after the win, noting that dominating play must translate into goals if the team hopes to progress in Europe. The victory also marks a morale boost after a domestic season that saw Arsenal finish fourth in the Premier League and miss out on the title race.

The result comes at a crucial juncture in the Champions League. Arsenal’s group also features Paris Saint‑Germain and Borussia Dortmund, meaning every point is vital for a knockout‑stage berth, a target the club has not reached since the 2019‑20 campaign. Napoli, who were runners‑up in Serie A last season, entered the match hoping to assert their European credentials after a mixed start to the campaign.

With three points and a positive goal difference, Arsenal now sit in a favorable position heading into their next group fixture. Napoli, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they look to recover against their upcoming opponent, aware that a single slip could jeopardise their chances of advancing.