FC Barcelona reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2020. The Catalans retained the upper hand 3-1 against SSC Napoli at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday evening thanks to goals from Fermin Lopez (15th), Joao Cancelo (17th) and Robert Lewandowski (83rd) and went first after the first leg :1 with 4:2.
12.03.2024 23.26
Online since yesterday, 11:26 p.m
The team of coach Xavi, who left in the summer, can perhaps save such a weak season in the premier class. Barca’s coach helped 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi make his Champions League debut in central defense, while an even younger player, 16-year-old super talent Lamine Yamal, stormed up front.
He also put a shot over it right at the start (2nd). After that, 20-year-old Fermin Lopez took center stage three times within a short period of time. After two wasted opportunities (9th, 13th), he was able to rely on the saying “all good things come in threes”. A Raphinha cross into the backcourt found the unmarked Spaniard, who fired into the corner from twelve meters.
Napoli briefly gains hope
Two minutes later, Yamal initiated a picture-perfect counterattack. Raphinha was unlucky with a shot from the pole, but Joao Cancelo sank the shot dry into the net. At that point, there was a lot of evidence pointing to a clear affair before the Italians got back into the game after an hour.
Reuters/Nacho Doce At Barcelona, the young players stood out again, like central defender Pau Cubarsi (r.)
In a move similar to Barca’s 2-0 lead, Matteo Politano played into the backcourt to Amir Rrahmani, who successfully finished near the penalty spot to make it 1-2. Barca goalie Marc-Andre ter Stegen prevented the equalizer with a Di Lorenzo header (37′).
Barcelona trembles and scores the third goal
After the restart, the Neapolitans set the tone right from the start. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia aimed just wide (47′), but referee Danny Makkelie missed a penalty when Victor Osimhen duel with Cubarsi in the penalty area (50′).
It continued to be a tough game for the home side; they were also lucky with a header from Jesper Lindström, which went wide from the best position (80′). This took revenge almost immediately. Lewandowski, who was otherwise rarely seen, only had to push the ball over the line after preparation by Sergi Roberto.
Xavi-Elf continues its successful run
The Spaniards extended their unbeaten competitive streak to nine games, with six wins. As in 2020, Napoli were put in their place in the CL round of 16 and in the Europa League round of 16 in 2022. The Italians suffered their first defeat in the sixth game under new coach Francesco Calzona, and a very bitter one at that. In the league, the club, in seventh place, is clearly lagging behind expectations after 28 rounds.
