Odegaard seals Arsenal win over Napoli in sweltering Champions League opener
Arsenal began the 2026-27 Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where Martin Odegaard’s 75th-minute finish extended the Gunners’ winning start to five matches. Declan Rice said the result carried added value after Arsenal managed the match in severe heat and humidity in southern Italy.
What changed for Arsenal
Odegaard settled a demanding contest with his fourth goal of the season, finishing a 29-pass Arsenal move after his effort came back off the post. Arsenal had controlled much of the game but needed patience against Napoli’s defence before finding the decisive opening.
Rice believed the margin did not fully reflect Arsenal’s chances and praised the composure shown in conditions he described as the most difficult heat he has faced while playing for the club.
“We could have scored four or five if we had been more clinical,” Rice said. “The goal was incredible: everybody involved, taking touches and moving the ball to create the space. It is probably the hottest match I have played for Arsenal.”
The midfielder was particularly pleased for Odegaard following an injury-affected previous campaign. Rice said Arsenal become a stronger side when their captain is fully fit and playing with confidence.
“A player of that level can perform in any side, but he means so much to us,” Rice said. “When he is playing at his best, we are better. We have to keep giving him confidence.”
Competition context
The win gave Arsenal a rare European success at Napoli’s home ground and supplied an early boost in their attempt to reach the Champions League final again. Rice compared the physical challenge of the evening to World Cup football, with temperatures close to 30 degrees and heavy humidity adding to the demands of the fixture.
Arsenal’s opening victory also maintained their flawless start across the season. Rice said the squad must protect that momentum as domestic and European commitments begin to accumulate.
“Momentum matters,” he said. “Football feels very good when you are winning. We understand the stadium we have played in and it is a huge honour to come here. We need to keep moving forward.”
What is scheduled next
Arsenal’s forthcoming Champions League matches include games against Bayern Munich, Slavia Prague and Real Betis. The Napoli result gives them an important early platform before those fixtures, while Odegaard’s return to form offers another encouraging development for the demanding run ahead.
- Arsenal have won all five matches at the start of 2026-27.
- Odegaard has scored four goals this season.
- Bayern Munich, Slavia Prague and Real Betis are Arsenal’s next named Champions League opponents.
