Real Madrid v Napoli Betting: Free-scoring sides set for a Champions League classic

The leaders of La Liga take on the top scorers in Serie A, in what could be one of the most entertaining ties of the last 16 in this season's Champions League.

Real Madrid have stuttered a little at the start of 2017 with two defeats and two draws in their opening nine matches of the year, yet Zinedine Zidane's men remain a point clear at the top of the Primera Division with two games in hand over their title rivals.

They have suffered something of an injury crisis, but should have almost everyone back for the visit of Napoli on Wednesday evening, except Gareth Bale who Zidane's hopes will be available for the second leg.

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The Italians meanwhile arrive in the Spanish capital on an 18 match unbeaten run in all competitions, and their firepower has seen them maintain a bid for second place in Serie A if not the title itself. Maurizio Sarri will feel that his side are capable of causing the defending champions problems and bet365 offer the visitors at 5/1 (6.00) for the win, while Madrid can be backed at 8/15 (1.53) and the draw is offered at 10/3 (4.33).

If the price for the hosts looks a little short it is worth remembering that Los Blancos boast a formidable home record in Europe where they have lost just one of their last 33 matches (and that 4-3 defeat against Schalke two years ago came after a 2-0 first leg win).

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For their part, Napoli are unbeaten this season in Europe on the road winning at Dinamo Kiev and Benfica and drawing at Besiktas. The Italians have played 11 away matches in the Champions League since returning to the competition in 2011 and have scored in 10 of those games, while this term in the tournament Real Madrid have conceded in all six of their encounters.

Both teams to score therefore looks like a logical selection at 8/13 (1.62) but for higher odds we will combine it with over 2.5 goals in the game at 10/11 (1.91). This bet has also paid out in all six of Madrid's Champions League games as well as in four of Napoli's six European ties and seems an intelligent way to invest in a game with plenty of goals. 

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