Real Madrid overcame an early Lorenzo Insigne strike to defeat Napoli 3-1 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie in the Champions League.
The under-fire Karim Benzema equalised 11 minutes later from a fine Dani Carvajal cross and the two sides headed into half time on even terms.
Toni Kroos put the hosts ahead early in the second half before Casemiro sealed the proceedings with a stunning volley.
The stats – and some praise – were out in force as Karim Benzema cemented himself as the highest scoring Frenchman in the Champions League.
A record-breaking night for Karim Benzema. France’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League.
Here’s our top 5 articles of the day… pic.twitter.com/KX8OOGooDH
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2017
Benzema entered the all-time #UCL Top 5 scorers by surpassing Henry tonight. pic.twitter.com/14Jlomn1Ec
— M•A•J (@UItraSuristic) February 15, 2017
.@Benzema has been unstoppable in the @ChampionsLeague this season.
He justified his selection.https://t.co/KJJbUbWxP0 pic.twitter.com/qUcqhix9OY
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) February 15, 2017
2nd goal by #Benzema… What a assets by #Ronaldo. #ChampionsLeague#Napoli#HalaMadrid#rm#ريال_مدريد_نابولي
— Shah Sahb (@IamTheFixer555) February 15, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t get on the scoresheet but played an important role and as Twitter noted, could have ended the game with several assists.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record with Real Madrid:
82 games ?
80 goals ⚽
24 assists ?️
2 titles ?Outrageous. pic.twitter.com/wx1KA9Z6RH
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo: Only Neymar (7) has registered more assists in the Champions League this season than Ronaldo (5)
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) February 15, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo (32) is the player with the MOST assists in the HISTORY of Champions League. pic.twitter.com/KXl7pb12nL
— RMadridBabe (@RMadridBabe) February 15, 2017
Like he did against Wolfsburg last season, Ronaldo steps up to the stage and rescues Real Madrid. Superb leadership. Incredible athlete.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 15, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo’s game by numbers vs. Napoli:
88% pass accuracy
5 chances created
5 take-ons
3 shots
1 assistProductive evening. pic.twitter.com/gKXrolAOid
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 15, 2017
When Barca went one down, Messi sulked.
When Madrid went one down, Ronaldo pulled out a 10/10.
No question who the GOAT is.— Lil Uzi Vertonghen (@LilUziVertonghn) February 15, 2017
Another Champions League or La Liga surely confirms Ronaldo as the greatest of all time, we won’t see another like him ever again.
— adam (@FutboyAdam) February 15, 2017
Ronaldo, in my opinion this season might be the most crucial player for big moments this season. Debatable along with Ramos.
— F (@BlancoRoyaIty) February 15, 2017
Casemiro’s stunning volley had Twitter buzzing as well, as he popped up as the most unlikely of scorers.
Now it’s Casemiro’s turn for a wonderful goal #RMNAP #Casemiro pic.twitter.com/87aOE29ofr
— Abhijith (@ITSABHITWEETING) February 15, 2017
Gif | Morata’s reaction to Casemiro’s goal [madridistaforever tumblr] pic.twitter.com/viYGJxTyFN
— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) February 16, 2017
What a goal from @Casemiro !! ⚽️⚽️#RealMadrid #Napoli #ChampionsLeague #Volley pic.twitter.com/X9talP9Gw0
— Marco (@MarcoKairinos) February 15, 2017
There was one positive for Napoli as the 19-year old Amadou Diawara put in a fine showing and made several people sit up and take notice.
Amadou Diawara’s game by numbers vs. Real Madrid:
100% take-ons
97 passes
89% pass acc.
3 tackles won
1 interceptionHe’s still only 19. ? pic.twitter.com/c1NiwZiO33
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 16, 2017
Amadou Diawara a star player in the making
— fostihe lube (@donfostine) February 16, 2017
Amadou Diawara was so confident in possession to a point I didn’t even notice Toni Kroos was present. #raisingstar
— ZGOLO (@zyolo08) February 16, 2017
Amadou Diawara’s passmap. As you can see he played as an inverted Anthropic Principle. Expecting a masterclass in Naples. pic.twitter.com/OvN6MyF6Gm
— ㅤTony (@Roguermar) February 15, 2017
Really impressed by Amadou Diawara (19) tonight. The composure & intelligence he showed was eye-catching. Instrumental player for Napoli.
— ZN (@114zn) February 15, 2017
Amadou Diawara looks very good. Has all the tools to become a world class deep-lying midfielder.
— antmusker (@antmusker) February 15, 2017
If I’m Amadou Diawara , having played the game of life in Madrid and then hearing ADL. I dunno what I would think
— PartenopeiPaul (@NapoliBlogger) February 15, 2017
Amadou Diawara is just 19.19.Considering his qualities he has a huge margin of progression.Huge!
— Lotfi Wada (@LotfiWada) February 15, 2017
