Martin Ødegaard Strikes Late as Arsenal Beat Napoli in Champions League Opener

Martin Ødegaard struck 15 minutes from time as Arsenal began their latest UEFA Champions League campaign with an impressive 1-0 victory against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The Arsenal captain finally broke Napoli’s resistance after Mikel Arteta’s side had controlled long periods of the contest in southern Italy, securing three points for last season’s Champions League finalists at the first opportunity.

Champions League Football Returns to the Emirates

Attention will soon turn to Arsenal’s first European home fixture of the campaign, with Lille visiting the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 13th October.

That begins an exciting run of Champions League nights in North London. Borussia Dortmund arrive on Tuesday 24th November before Real Madrid visit on Wednesday 9th December, while Arsenal complete their league phase schedule at home against Sabah on Wednesday 27th January 2027.

There is plenty of Premier League football to come at the Emirates too. Arsenal host Leeds United on Saturday 10th October before Everton make the trip to the capital on Saturday 24th October.

Eventmasters offers Arsenal hospitality packages for selected fixtures at the Emirates Stadium, giving supporters the opportunity to combine some of the biggest matches of the season with premium seating and hospitality.

Explore Arsenal hospitality and secure your place at the Emirates Stadium for the 2026/27 season..

Arsenal Take Control in Naples

Arsenal arrived in Italy looking to make a positive start after going all the way to last season’s Champions League Final, and the visitors quickly began to dictate possession.

Bukayo Saka produced one of the first moments of danger with an acrobatic overhead kick that was kept out by Alex Meret, while Mikel Merino was unable to convert another promising opportunity after Eberechi Eze had headed the ball into his path.

Ben White also tested Meret as Arsenal continued to search for the breakthrough, although Napoli carried a threat of their own. Former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne looked to drive the Italian side forward, while Matteo Politano forced David Raya into action.

Saka had another opening shortly before the interval when Ødegaard released him with a through ball, but the England international fired over as the teams went into half-time level.

Ødegaard Delivers the Breakthrough

Napoli goalkeeper Meret was replaced by Vanja Milinković-Savić at the interval, but the pattern of the contest remained largely unchanged as Arsenal continued to apply pressure.

Piero Hincapié was presented with an excellent chance at the far post following a White header but could not find the target, with Napoli increasingly forced deeper as the Gunners searched for a way through.

Arteta turned to his bench, introducing Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis before later bringing on Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke. The changes eventually helped Arsenal turn their territorial advantage into the goal they had been threatening.

Tzolis combined with White before finding Ødegaard outside the penalty area in the 75th minute. The captain took aim and drove a low effort beyond Milinković-Savić, the ball striking the post on its way into the net.

It was Ødegaard’s fourth goal in five matches at the start of the season, continuing an impressive scoring run from the Arsenal midfielder.

Arteta praised his captain after another decisive contribution.

“That’s what we need – players with that mindset to decide the game and to play with that personality,” he said.

Gunners See Out Opening Champions League Win

Arsenal continued to push after taking the lead rather than simply protecting their advantage.

Madueke had an opportunity to extend the margin before Havertz thought he had added a second in stoppage time, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

One goal ultimately proved enough, with Arsenal completing a clean-sheet victory and leaving one of European football’s most demanding away grounds with all three points.

The result gives Arteta’s side a winning start as they attempt to build on last season, when Arsenal reached their first Champions League Final in 20 years before losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

Arsenal v Napoli FAQs

What was the score between Napoli and Arsenal?

Arsenal beat Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase.

Who scored for Arsenal against Napoli?

Martin Ødegaard scored the only goal of the game in the 75th minute.

Who do Arsenal play next in the Champions League?

Arsenal’s next Champions League fixture is against Lille at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 13th October 2026.

Which Champions League teams will Arsenal face at the Emirates Stadium?

Arsenal’s four league phase home opponents are Lille, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Sabah.

Can I buy Arsenal hospitality at the Emirates Stadium?

Yes. Eventmasters offers Arsenal hospitality for selected matches at the Emirates Stadium, including Premier League and UEFA Champions League fixtures throughout the 2026/27 season.