The Blaugrana got to the last 8 of the competitors for the very first time since 2019 by seeing off the Italian champs.
Raphinha starred left wing, Barcelona’s children did the work in the right, and Robert Lewandowski sealed things through the middle as the Blaugrana resisted Napoli in a persuading 3-1 win that protected their place in the Champions Organization quarter-finals.
Xavi’s side got on Napoli early, and racked up 2 objectives in as many minutes to establish a fast lead. Raphinha went to the centre of both, assisting Fermin Lopez for the initial, before sounding a discharged the article for Joao Cancelo to finish on the rebound.
However they really did not manage procedures for long. Napoli pulled one back when Amir Rrahmani roamed into package to end up a well-constructed counter-attack, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen stayed out an immediate equaliser with a remarkable diving quit.
Lamine Yamal assumed he had actually secured it in the 2nd fifty percent, yet the offside flag saw his tap-in eliminated, and Barca missed a flurry of further possibilities, as Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski all came close. But Lewandowski ultimately secured victory late on, strolling the round into the web after a perfectly-assembled combination around the Napoli box.
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This was Barca’s finest receiving months, the visitors only occasionally intimidating while Xavi’s side delivered in the vital minutes. Could it be time to desire in Catalunya?
GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from the Olympic Stadium …
Goalkeeper & Protection
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):.
Can do nothing about Rrahmani’s objective. Made an excellent save to stop a fast secondly. Steady in his circulation, as well.
Jules Kounde (8/10):.
His match-up versus Kvaratskhelia always appeared to be one of the more crucial on the pitch. He kept him quiet early, and held his very own as the Georgian grew into the game.
Ronald Araujo (7/10):.
Coordinated the high line effectively, but was instead chaotic in limited spaces. Always up for the battle, however.
Pau Cubarsi (8/10):.
A smart, very early intervention prevented Osimhen from discovering the web inside 60 seconds. Played some lovely forward passes, and looked fairly comfortable throughout.
Joao Cancelo (7/10):.
Got himself on the scoresheet. Unsafe on the left wing, even if he did overdo on a couple of events. Did his job defensively, too.
Midfield.
Andreas Christensen (5/10):.
Put in a couple of silly difficulties, maybe privileged not to be sent off. Not his finest hour.
Fermin Lopez (8/10):.
Obtained forward with regularity. Place one narrowly large and clipped an additional over the bar. Offseted it with a wonderful coating. Looked weary after an hour – and appropriately subbed off.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):.
Served as the connective tissue in main midfield, and made points happen in the final third. Didn’t track Rrahmani on the Napoli goal, however.
Strike.
Lamine Yamal (8/10):.
Wonderful sometimes. His remarkable run established Barca’s second, and consistent trickery provided Rui nightmares. Had a flurry of chances to locate the internet, however blew up some large and compelled some cool conserves.
Robert Lewandowski (6/10):.
A bit loosened through the center, and the game passed him by for long stretches. Could not miss out on to finish it off, however.
Raphinha (8/10):.
Essential in the very early objectives, and dangerous on the left throughout. Provided a good help. Napoli resorted to kicking him by the end of it all.
Subs & Manager.
Oriol Romeu (6/10):.
Slotted right into the protective midfield function conveniently.
Sergi Roberto (7/10):.
Offered legs between when Barca looked tired. Assisted Lewandowski’s dagger.
Joao Felix (N/A):.
No time at all to make an influence.
Xavi (8/10):.
Chose his greatest XI, however switched to a 4-3-3. The inclusion of Fermin was essential, and he got his belows right to freshen up the video game, too. Perhaps could have finished with his team being a lot more scientific, but he will take the result. A good night.