McTominay’s double helps Napoli survive Bodø/Glimt scare

Scott McTominay produced his most decisive display of the season so far as Napoli came through a wild Champions League contest to beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3. In a match that swung repeatedly, the Scotland midfielder scored twice and also struck the woodwork as the Italian side finally found enough attacking punch to get over the line.

The victory offers timely relief for head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who had come under increasing pressure. Napoli were far from convincing defensively, but their cutting edge in key moments proved enough to seal an important result on a tense European night.

McTominay makes the difference

Napoli were ahead inside the opening minute through Matteo Politano, making the ideal start before Bodø/Glimt quickly showed they had no intention of fading quietly. Jens Petter Hauge drew the Norwegian side level, underlining the visitors’ threat whenever space opened up.

McTominay then restored Napoli’s advantage before half-time, giving the home side renewed control in a first period that never truly settled. It was a significant contribution from the midfielder, who had not scored this season and missed around a month earlier in the campaign after undergoing surgery in early September to treat an irregular heartbeat.

That context made his contribution all the more notable. McTominay looked energetic, aggressive in midfield and dangerous when breaking forward, with one additional effort coming back off the post. For Napoli, it was the sort of all-action performance supporters had been waiting to see from a player expected to add drive and goals from deeper areas.

Napoli tested all the way

Bodø/Glimt refused to go away. Andreas Helmersen brought the visitors level again, punishing Napoli for another lapse and ensuring the contest remained wide open. The flow of the game made clear that while Napoli had quality in attack, they were still vulnerable whenever their shape loosened and the tempo became stretched.

Even so, Napoli kept finding a response. In an end-to-end encounter, they ultimately did just enough to preserve the lead and claim a 4-3 win, though the scoreline told its own story. This was not a composed, controlling European performance; it was a shoot-out, and Napoli simply landed the heavier blows.

What it means for Napoli

For Allegri, the headline is straightforward: a win was needed, and a win arrived. Yet the manner of it leaves room for both encouragement and caution. McTominay’s sharpness and Napoli’s willingness to attack were obvious positives, but conceding three times against energetic opposition will concern a coaching staff seeking greater balance.

From a broader Champions League perspective, this result could still prove a turning point if Napoli build on it. McTominay’s return to the scoresheet gives them another route to goal, while the team’s resilience in a high-pressure fixture may matter just as much as the entertainment value. The challenge now is to pair that attacking intent with greater control in the matches ahead.