Napoli and Barcelona shared the spoils in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, which ended 1-1 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. The hosts, in their first game under new coach Francesco Calzona, showed character and withstood the onslaught of the visitors, who took the lead in the 60th minute through Robert Lewandowski’s magic, but equalised in the 75th minute with Napoli’s first and only shot on goal, through Victor Osimhen, back on the pitch after two months off through injury. The result leaves open the hopes of qualification for both teams, who will play each other on 12 March at the Camp Nou for the return leg.
Napoli, a test of pride
Napoli, come into the match against Barcelona in low spirits after the home defeat against Bologna, which led to the dismissal of Walter Mazzarri. In his place, the club chose Francesco Calzona, a former player and coach of the club, who had only two days to prepare for the most important match of the season.
The new coach opts for a 4 3 3 with Meret in goal, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus and Olivera in defence, Anguissa, Lobotka and Cajuste in midfield, Politano, Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia in attack. His aim is to give the team solidity and personality, trying to exploit the counter-attacks and set pieces.
Calzona’s plan worked for most of the match, with Napoli managing to contain the initiatives of Barcelona, who played the game but found no space in the Azzurri’s rearguard. The visitors relied mainly on individual plays, but were unable to make an impact.
Napoli only appeared in front with a few sporadic sorties, but never bothered ter Stegen. The first half ended 0-0, with the Maradona crowd applauding their favourites.
Barcelona, a flash from Lewandowski
In the second half, Barcelona upped the tempo and put Napoli under pressure, who began to suffer and make mistakes. In the 60th minute, Lewandowski received the ball on the edge of the box, freed himself of two opponents with a dribble and fired an unstoppable right-footer under the crossbar, leaving Meret stunned. It was the Pole’s 25th goal of the season in the Champions League, confirming him as the competition’s top scorer.
Barcelona seemed to have put their qualification hopes on the line, but Napoli did not give up and found the equaliser in the 75th minute, in a daring move: Politano crossed from the right, ter Stegen repelled badly, and the ball reached Osimhen, who slotted home from a few paces. It was the first goal in the Champions League for the Nigerian striker, who celebrated his return to the pitch.
The return leg, all to play for
The 1-1 result leaves the qualification discourse open for the return leg, which will be played on 12 March at the Camp Nou. The Azzurri will have to be ready to pass the round with Barcelona, who will have the advantage of playing at home, without however underestimating Napoli, who have shown character and pride. It promises to be an exciting and uncertain challenge, worthy of a Champions League.
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