Lewandowski and Osimhen at the gun, but Napoli-Barcelona has no winner

© REUTERS

Napoli and Barcelona will have to fight it out in the second leg to see who can go to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The first leg ended 1-1. Alex Meret was the big hero for the home team.

Francesco Calzona has only been allowed to call himself Napoli’s coach since Tuesday. This means that the Italian, who combines his new job with being the national coach of Slovakia, had less than 48 hours to prepare for the Champions League clash against Barcelona. That was also visible in the first half. Calzona’s team looked a lot like a pizza calzone. Folded by the Barça.

Barcelona’s opening fifteen minutes in particular were scorching. The high pressure from the Catalans, with Gündogan as a great pioneer, meant that Napoli could not get away from their own half. Lamine Yamal could have scored twice in the first ten minutes. First a shot from the top talent flew over, then a good save from Alex Meret was needed to keep him from 0-1.

© AFP

The fact that the home team was not yet behind at half-time was largely due to its goalkeeper. Halfway through the first half, Robert Lewandowski also came close to the opening goal. After a good rush from Cancelo on the left, Meret kept the Pole from scoring with a good reflex. Meret also stood firm on a hard shot from Gündogan. In the last fifteen minutes of the first half, Napoli managed to restore the balance, but without creating any major opportunities.

Class flash Lewandowski and Osimhen

From the stands, Leander Dendoncker and his wife Anna Steegen saw how the first part of the second half was also better balanced. The opportunities remained for Barcelona. After a good counter, Yamal – again – offered Gündogan a shooting opportunity on the edge of the sixteen meters. The German Turk shot his place ball too weakly. A piece of cake for Meret.

On the hour it was the prize for Barcelona. With a subtle pass, the previously pale Pedri Lewandowski played into the sixteen. The Pole did not hesitate and, between four Neapolitans, put the 0-1 on the board with a crossed shot. A flash of class. His fifth goal in four games.

Calzona tried to turn the tide with a few attacking substitutions. And had success. Anguissa played Osimhen in the box. He cleverly turned away from Martinez with his strong body – the Barça players still appealed for a foul – and kicked the equalizer against the ropes. Two top strikers on the cannon. For the Neapolitans it was their first shot between the posts. In minute 75.

The last fifteen minutes went in all directions, but in the end there was no third goal. Gündogan came closest in the very last minute of extra time. This means everything is still open for the return match. And Napoli can especially be grateful to its goalkeeper for that. Appointment on March 12 in Barcelona.

Previous Post
Sledgehammer blow for Leandro Trossard and co.: Porto blames weak Arsenal for a final loss after a wonderful curling ball

Sledgehammer blow for Leandro Trossard and co.: Porto blames weak Arsenal for a final loss after a wonderful curling ball

Next Post

VIDEO. Messi and Suárez immediately provide an assist in the season opener in MLS, the Argentinian surprises with a striking dribble

Related Posts