Naples and FC Barcelona drew (1-1) at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this Wednesday evening in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League, a result which gives the Catalans a slight advantage before the return match, in three weeks.
Long dominating, Barça pressed high and were rewarded by Robert Lewandowski’s 93rd goal in the competition. In the 60th minute, well served by Pedri, the Pole erased Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Juan Jesus before deceiving Alex Meret with a low shot (1-0, 60th). Before that, the Neapolitan Italian goalkeeper had released a strike from Lamine Yamal (8th), then two attempts in quick succession from Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan (22nd), but he could do nothing on this third big opportunity.
Pedri close to 2-0
Even if Pedri came close to 2-0 (66th), Napoli managed to equalize a quarter of an hour from the end thanks to a nice goal from Victor Osimhen, on a clinical pass from Frank Anguissa. Like Lewandowski, Osimhen made the difference alone, just before being replaced by Pablo Simeone (77th).
Galvanized by this equalization, the Italians finished much better, without managing to win. If Barça obtained a good result with a view to qualifying, the Neapolitans of Francesco Calzona, appointed coach only 48 hours ago, are doing well with this draw, after having been dominated in most of the match.
