Napoli secured a narrow 2-1 victory against Sporting Braga in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, courtesy of a late Sikou Niakate own goal that tipped the scales in favor of the Italians.
Under Rudi Garcia's guidance, Napoli appeared destined to split the points in Portugal. However, with six minutes left, Bruma connected flawlessly with Rodrigo Zalazar's cross, nodding it into the net. This equalizer came after Giovanni Di Lorenzo had initially put Napoli ahead with a goal just before halftime.
However, with just two minutes remaining, Niakate inadvertently redirected Piotr Zielinski's cross into his own net, securing Napoli's Group C victory at a rain-soaked Estadio Municipal.
Napoli now share three points with Real Madrid, who secured a 1-0 win against Union Berlin and are set to face Napoli in their upcoming fixture in early next month.
The Italian champions will have to sharpen their finishing in front of goal, especially against one of the tournament's favorites, as they squandered numerous opportunities in the first half and allowed Braga to claw their way back into the match.
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Garcia's squad had the potential to enter the break against Braga, who were featuring in the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2012, with a lead of three or even four goals.
Ultimately, Napoli had reason to breathe a sigh of relief as Pizzi's stoppage-time strike miraculously avoided finding the back of the net, hitting the inside of Alex Meret's near post but staying out.
