Scott McTominay Scores Twice After Heart Surgery to Lead Napoli to Victory

2026-10-21 community

Naples, 21 October 2026
Scott McTominay scored two goals on his return from corrective heart surgery, securing Napoli’s 4–3 victory over Bodø/Glimt to claim their first Champions League points of the season.

A Pulsating Start at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

The Scottish midfielder returned to action in remarkable fashion after missing a month of football following surgery in early September to treat a benign heart arrhythmia [3][4]. Under manager Massimiliano Allegri, Napoli had entered the match facing mounting pressure following consecutive European losses to Arsenal and Villarreal, remaining without a point in the Champions League [1][3][8]. However, the hosts established early dominance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, opening the scoring within 54 seconds when Matteo Politano struck a spectacular volley past the goalkeeper [3][5][8].

Rising to the Occasion in Naples

Bodø/Glimt, who arrived in Naples having defeated Borussia Dortmund in their previous outing, responded firmly when Jens Petter Hauge finished off a swift team move to equalise in the 27th minute [3][4]. Napoli restored their lead four minutes before the break as Scott McTominay latched onto a through ball from Kevin De Bruyne and calmly dinked his shot past visiting goalkeeper Nikita Haikin [3][7]. After the match, Politano reflected on the performance, noting that the squad had asked themselves serious questions after recent struggles and delivered the appropriate response on the pitch [7].

Securing a Hard-Fought European Revival

The Norwegian side drew level once more after the hour mark when Andreas Helmersen struck into the bottom corner in the 62nd minute [3][4][8]. McTominay completed his decisive display 15 minutes from time by heading in his second goal of the night, securing his first goals of the 2026/27 season [3][4][8]. A late own goal by Odin Bjørtuft extended the lead, and despite a late consolation header from Sondre Brunstad Fet, Napoli held firm to record a 4–3 victory [3][4][8]. The win elevates Napoli to three points ahead of their trip to Porto on 4 November 2026, while Bodø/Glimt also stay on three points as they prepare to host Lille on 3 November 2026 [3][8].

Bronnen

Champions League European Football