Napoli secured their second UEFA Champions League (UCL) league-phase victory, edging past a spirited Qarabağ FK 2-0 on a rainy night in southern Italy.

The Italians arrived at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona unbeaten in 19 home matches across all competitions, but Qarabağ defied expectations, starting the match with energy and discipline that frustrated their hosts.

Under a persistent drizzle, the first half lacked clear-cut chances, as the Azerbaijani side’s defensive resilience kept Napoli at bay. Yet, Napoli rarely stay quiet for long, and in the final ten minutes of the first half, moments of quality hinted at the breakthrough to come.

David Neres’ acrobatic attempt from Noa Lang’s cross almost brought a spectacular goal, only for Qarabağ goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski to make a brilliant save diving to his left. Moments later, captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo lost his footing in a promising attack, leaving the first half goalless despite Napoli finishing strongly.

The second half saw Napoli continue to press, but the breakthrough was slow in coming. After Di Lorenzo was fouled inside the box, Rasmus Højlund saw his penalty effort saved by Kochalski, and Neres later fired tamely from close range.

Eventually, Napoli found a simple yet decisive opening. Following a parried shot, Scott McTominay was quickest to react, nodding the ball home from close range to give the hosts the lead.

With Qarabağ now chasing the game, opportunities opened up for Napoli to extend their advantage, though Kochalski kept the scoreline close with a stunning double save.

Finally, 20 minutes from time, McTominay struck again. His flicked effort from a cross deflected off substitute Samy Mmaee and looped past his own goalkeeper, sealing a 2-0 victory and lifting Napoli to 18th in the league standings.