Napoli rocked by earthquake ahead of Real Madrid clash

A 4.0 magnitude earthquake rattled the city of Naples on Monday at 10:08pm local time, sending tremors through the region the night before Napoli’s highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

This seismic event is reportedly the second-strongest tremor to hit the area in the past four decades, leaving citizens on edge.

According to reports from AS, the Phlegraean Fields volcanic region was identified as the epicentre, located approximately nine kilometres from the city centre.

This area has been experiencing increased seismic activity in recent weeks.

The Vesuvian Observatory recorded a total of eight additional earthquakes within a mere 15 minutes following the initial tremor, adding to the tension in the region.

While some residents took to the streets in the wake of the earthquake, there have been no reported casualties at this time, providing a moment of relief amidst the apprehension.

Real Madrid arrived at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio in Naples on the same day to prepare for their pivotal Champions League encounter.

READ: Champions League Matchday 2 betting picks – Tuesday, October 3

The team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against German side Union Berlin in their group-stage opener.

Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, also started their European campaign on a high note, recording a 2-1 win against Portuguese side Braga on foreign soil.

As both teams are widely expected to advance from Group C, their encounters against each other could ultimately determine the group leader.

Champions League betting sites are finding it difficult to split the two sides, with Real Madrid holding slight favouritism at +150 against Napoli’s +162 odds.

Tuesday’s clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is set to get underway at 9pm local time.

More sports news