REINA OPTIMISTIC OF REAL UCL CLASH

Napoli first choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina sees the clash with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Santiago Bernebeu as an opportunity to show off.

The former Liverpool man said that the plan is to get the result that would give them the advantage when both sides meet in the second leg.

Real would host the Serie A side on Wednesday as the European champions continue their title defence. However, Reina sees it as a chance for the Pertenopei.

“This is a great opportunity for Napoli. The idea is to come back from Madrid with a result which will allow us to go through at San Paolo,” Reina said ahead of the game.

When asked about players he would face, the Spaniard said:

“I have a lot of respect for Lucas Vazquez, he’s a player who gives Real Madrid the balance they were missing. Cristiano Ronaldo? I wish I knew how he hit the penalties, I’ll have to look into his eyes to understand what he’s thinking.”

Napoli are third in the Serie A standings but they have been impressive this term. Star player Dries Mertens would be crucial if Napoli are to cause an upset. The player started as a false nine when Poland international Arkadiusz Malik picked up an injury last year. The former PSV Eindhoven star has been amazing in the role, now in competition with AS Roma’s Edin Dzeko for the league’s top scorer. The 29-year old has netted 16 times in the league, aside four in continental games.

The perceived weakness for Napoli is their inexperience. Pepe has experience, Marek Hamsik has been around but aside a few other players like Raul Albiol, the team does not have years on their legs. The likely plan would be to get on or two goals and sit on the advantage but Madrid would be expecting this.