Reset to… factory settings for Barcelona! The “Blaugrana” showed their strength against the wrong goal Naplesthey led 2-0 in the first quarter of the match, saw him Rahmani to reduce, however, by one goal-magic in 83′ they prevailed 3-1 “stamping” the ticket for his octet Champions League after four years!
Unbelievable missed opportunities for the “Partenopei”, with his header from contact being the highlight Linstrom in the 80′. Makeli turned a blind eye to an obvious penalty in favor of Napoli when in the 50th minute the excellent Koubarsi, step on Osimen.
Great game from the young Barcelona stopper who had the most passes of any player on the pitch, superb Yamal and Christensen.
Napoli sinks into introversion and now has no other goal to pursue, except for its exit to the Conference League next season.
In the minds of the coaches:
He lined up Barcelona with the classic 4-3-3. Ter Stegen was at home with Kute, Araujo, Kubarsi, Cancelo in defense. In the central area, Christensen, with Fermin Lopez and Guidogan, while in the attacking trio Yamal was on the right, Rafinha on the left and Robert Lewandowski at the top.
On the other side, the same arrangement from Francesco Calzona for Napoli. Meret in the goalposts with the four defense in front of him consisting of Di Lorenzo, Rahmani, Jesus, Rui. Lobotka, Angisa, Traore in the central trio, while Politano was on the right, Kvaratshelia on the left and Osimen at the top.
The match
The match started with Barcelona pressing from the first minute. In just the first minute the Blaugrana threatened with Yamal taking the shot and sending the ball wide, while three minutes later Napoli tried to threaten with Osimen being beaten by Ter Stegen in a 4-a-4 and the flag to be elevated.
In the 13th minute the “Blaugrana” came close to 1-0 with Kubarsi making an excellent deep ball at the back of the Napoli defence, Fermin controlled and crossed, but the ball went over the goal.
However, seconds later, the pressure paid off for Xavi’s side. Excellent team effort with Cancelo seeing the movement of Rafinha and passing the ball vertically to him, the Brazilian turned to the penalty spot and Fermin opened the scoring with a spot kick! In fact, before the guests realized what had happened, Barcelona had scored a second goal!
Excellent counter-attack with Yamal playing against Rafinha, he avoided Di Lorenzo, hit the post, but Cancelo sent it into the net for 2-0!
Napoli came out timidly on the attack, wanting to find a goal that would put them back in the qualification game. So after two “ballless” visits to Ter Stegen’s frames, he found a way to enter the match. Incredible move by Rahmani who rose from defense to attack, “confused” the markings of Barcelona’s defenders, distributed to Politano, who again at the penalty spot to Kosovaro, who reduced the score to 2-1 with a one-piece shot!
In the 34th minute, Napoli almost equalized when, from a wonderful Rui cross in the heart of the Barcelona defence, Osimhen headed unguarded and Ter Stegen made an impressive save for a corner. This was also the last good moment of the first half with the home team leading 2-1 at the break.
Napoli came in with the intention of slowing Barcelona down in the second half and in the 47th minute they threatened with a Kvarachselia shot from outside the area which went wide.
In the 50th minute, Osimhen was brought down in the area, with Makeli saying “you’re playing”, while five minutes later Barcelona made it 3-1 with Cancelo making a superb effort and stepping into the area, he turned to Rafinha who crossed, but Merrett kicked out.
Napoli took measures on the field again, having disengaged from Barca’s onslaught and in the 80th minute came within a breath of 2-2. Kvarachelia crossed from the left, unmarked with Ter Stegen the Linstromsent the ball out with a header.
Three minutes later the hosts punished Napoli’s mistake with a “painting” goal! Guttogan’s incredible cross to Sergi Roberto, the Spaniard straight to Lewandowski who slotted home one of the easiest goals of his career to make it 3-1 to Barcelona.
MVP: Lamin Yamal was the most active football player of Barcelona, but rightfully the award of the best goes to the young Kubarsi! Benjamin of the “Blaugrana” had a great match, with key interventions, he was cool in every transfer and completed more passes than any other footballer on the pitch.
The elevens of the match
Barcelona (Xavi): Ter Stegen, Coute, Araujo, Coubertin, Joao Cancelo, Christensen (60′ Romeo), Guidogan, Fermin Lopez (60′ Sergi Roberto), Rafinha (81′ Joao Felix), Yamal, Lewandowski.
Napoli (Francesco Calzone): Meret, Di Lorenzo, Rahmani, Jesus, Mario Rui (64′ Olivera), Lobotka, Angisa, Traore (78′ Raspadori), Politano (64′ Lindstrom), Kvaratshelia (92′ Ngonge), Osimen.
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
