Arsenal began their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday.
Martin Odegaard scored the only goal of the game in the 75th minute to give the Gunners three important points away from home.
The Arsenal captain received a pass from Martin Zubimendi near the edge of the Napoli penalty area. After allowing the ball to move in front of him, Odegaard fired a powerful left footed shot that went in off the left post.
The win gives Arsenal a strong start to the league phase after finishing as runners up in the previous edition of the competition.
Arsenal controlled much of the first half and created several chances. The visitors had 13 shots before the break, setting a new club record for the most shots they had recorded in the first half of an away Champions League match.
Napoli, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, defended deep and looked to create chances through counter attacks.
Bukayo Saka produced Arsenal’s first major opportunity after showing good skill, but his overhead kick failed to trouble the Napoli goalkeeper.
Arsenal then came close again when Saka’s cross found Eberechi Eze, who headed the ball back towards Mikel Merino. However, the Spanish midfielder missed a good opportunity from close range.
Napoli also had chances during the first half. Matteo Politano and Kevin De Bruyne both attempted shots, but neither effort seriously threatened David Raya in the Arsenal goal.
Just before half time, Odegaard sent Saka through on goal. The England international moved inside onto his left foot but his effort went over the crossbar.
Arsenal continued to push after the break and eventually found the breakthrough through Odegaard’s powerful strike.
The victory puts Arsenal on three points and 12th in the early league phase standings, while Napoli remain without a point in 30th place.
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