Between two teams who love short games and great combinations, the match could only be enticing.
And he kept his promises.
After 90 minutes of excellent quality, it was ultimately FC Barcelona who won (3-1), validating their qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League after the draw in the first leg (1-1). ).
Raphinha was the great architect of this victory, being at the origin of the first two goals.
The first banderilla arrived in the 15th minute.
Launched deep on the left side of the area, the Brazilian found Fermin Lopez behind, who was quick to deceive Alex Meret.
Two minutes later, the same Raphinha tried his luck from the edge of the area, but found the post.
The ball, however, returned to the feet of João Cancelo, who was able to finish calmly.
What a start to the match for Barça against Naples!
😱
2 goals in 2 minutes from Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo 🔴🔵#BarcaNapoli |
#UCL pic.twitter.com/J4Bqgadeyi
— CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) March 12, 2024
The Blaugranas then tried to manage, but the Neapolitans reacted.
In the 30th minute, a great collective action put Kosovar Amir Rrahmani into orbit, who calmly reduced the gap with his left foot.
However, this was not enough.
In control, Barça scored a third goal via Robert Lewandowski, perfectly placed to recover a subtle shift from Sergi Roberto.
Lewandowski who almost ensures Barça's qualification in the quarter-finals!
🔝
3-1 for the Blaugrana against Naples 🔴🔵#BarcaNapoli |
#UCL pic.twitter.com/4HSLIqnq7y
— CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) March 12, 2024
Xavi's Barça will therefore be in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, along with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
This is a first for the Catalans since 2020. For his last season at the head of the Blaugrana, the former Spanish midfielder can still dream of a European title.