Odegaard Late Winner Sends Arsenal Past Napoli Away

Arsenal began their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with an important 1–0 victory away to Napoli, with captain Martin Ødegaard scoring the late winner to secure all three points at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The match was closely contested from the opening stages, with Napoli using the home atmosphere and their defensive structure to make life difficult for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed periods of possession but found clear chances hard to create against an organised Italian defence. Napoli also carried a threat going forward, forcing Arsenal to remain disciplined at the back. The Gunners managed the game well, however, and kept themselves in a strong position as the contest moved into the closing stages. The decisive moment eventually arrived late in the match when Ødegaard found the breakthrough, giving Arsenal a lead they protected through the final minutes. It was exactly the type of moment expected from the captain, delivering under pressure in one of the most difficult away environments in European football. The clean sheet was equally important for Arsenal, who showed the defensive maturity required to win tight Champions League matches away from home. After reaching the final last season, the London club entered this campaign determined to go one step further, and starting with an away victory against Napoli represents an ideal beginning. For Napoli, the defeat will be frustrating after competing well for most of the evening, but Arsenal’s patience and late quality ultimately proved decisive. One goal was enough. Ødegaard delivered when Arsenal needed him most, and the Gunners leave Naples with three valuable Champions League points.