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The Blaugrana defeated the Italian champions to go to the competition’s final eight for the first time since 2019.
The Blaugrana defeated Napoli 3-1 to guarantee their spot in the Champions League quarterfinals. Robert Lewandowski scored the game’s decisive goal through the middle, while Raphinha excelled on the left and Barcelona’s youth squad performed well on the right.
Xavi’s team got an early advantage over Napoli, scoring twice in a short period of time to take the lead. In the middle of both, Raphinha set up Fermin Lopez for the first goal and then nicked a shot off the crossbar for Joao Cancelo to score off the rebound.
Lamine Yamal thought he had secured the victory in the second half, but his tap-in was disregarded due to an offside flag. Barca then squandered numerous more opportunities, with Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski all going close. But in the end, Lewandowski’s well-executed combination around the Napoli box allowed him to walk the ball into the net and clinch the victory.
Barcelona:
Barca put on their greatest performance in months, with Xavi’s team scoring when it mattered most and the visitors only sporadically posing a threat. Is it time for Catalunya to dream?
The Barcelona players are ranked by GOAL from the Olympic Stadium.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, goalkeeper and defence:
7/10): Marc-Andre ter Stegen, was powerless to stop Rrahmani’s objective. made a remarkable stop to stop a fast second. Consistent in his distribution as well.
(8/10) Jules Kounde:
On the field, his matchup with Kvaratskhelia always seemed to be one of the more significant ones. He held his own as the Georgian got more into the game, keeping him quiet early on.
Ronald Araujo: 7 out of 10
Quite erratic in confined areas, but skillfully orchestrated the high line. But always willing to fight.
Pau Cubarsi (8 out of 10):
Osimhen was unable to locate the net in under 60 seconds, thanks to a cunning and prompt intervention. played some beautiful forward passes and had a somewhat at-ease demeanour the entire time.
7/10 for Joao Cancelo:
landed on the scoreboard by himself. A handful of overplays notwithstanding, it is dangerous on the left wing. played a defensive role as well.
Midfield (5/10):
Andreas Christensen: Include a few absurd challenges; you might be lucky to avoid being dismissed. It was not the best hour of his life.
Fermin Lopez: 8 out of 10.
went forward consistently. I placed one over the bar and clipped another just wide enough. compensated for it with a gorgeous ending. After an hour, he appeared worn out and appropriately subbed off.
Gundogan Ilkay (7/10):
It served as the central midfield’s connecting thread and created opportunities in the last part of the pitch. Rrahmani’s goal for Napoli was not followed, though.
Attack
Lamine Yamal’s Attack (8/10):
Enchanted sometimes. Barca’s second goal was set up by his amazing run, and Rui was nightmared by his relentless deceit. had numerous opportunities to score, but missed a few and forced some nice saves.
Lewandowski, Robert (6/10):
A little slack in the midsection, and he was largely ignored by the game. Couldn’t help but complete it, though.
Raphinha (8 out of 10):
Vital to the early goals and consistently dangerous on the left. gave a kind assistance. At the end, Napoli had resorted to kicking him.
Subs & Manager
Oriol Romeu( 6/10):
Easily fit into the defensive midfield position.
Roberto Sergio (7/10):
Gave legs in the middle when Barca appeared worn out. helped with Lewandowski’s knife.
Joao Felix (n/a):
Too little time matters.
Xavi (8/10):
Used his best lineup but later changed to a 4-3-3. Fermin’s introduction was essential, as he made the appropriate substitutions to change up the action. Although his team may have been more clinical, he will accept the outcome. Have a pleasant evening.
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