Everything still to be decided. At the Maradona, the first leg of the Champions League round of 1 between Napoli and Barcelona ended in a draw: 1-XNUMX.
Article Key Points
It all happens in the second half: Lewandowski's goal is answered 15 minutes later by Osimhen, who returns to scoring and celebrating with his fans. Calzona chooses 4-3-3 to inaugurate his experience in Naples.
In goal Meret, defense composed of Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus and Olivera. In midfield, the trio is formed by Anguissa, Lobotka and Cajuste.
In attack, a trident with Politano and Kvaratskhelia supporting the returning Osimhen. Xavi responds with his 4-3-3, with Ter Stegen between the posts and a defence formed by Koundé, Araujo, Inigo Martinez and Cancelo.
In midfield, a trio composed of Gundogan, Christensen and De Jong. In attack, the Catalans field Yamal, Lewandowski and Pedri.
Barcelona dangerous, Napoli resists.
Lewandowski scores in the 60th minute
The first 10 minutes were very tiring for Napoli. Barcelona pushed hard and created several chances, also thanks to an unleashed Yamal.
The Blaugrana talent almost scored from outside the area in the 4th minute, shortly after he tried again in the same way but was saved by Meret with a dive. The Azzurri goalkeeper was still alert shortly after on a shot from Lewandowski in the penalty area, following a cross from Cancelo.
The number 1 from Naples was once again the protagonist after a minute with a great dive on a shot from outside by Gundogan. However, this was practically the last chance of the first half for the guests: after half an hour, Calzona's men finally managed to keep possession of the ball more frequently and play in the opponent's half, but no dangerous chances arrived.
The first half ends 0-0, with no shots on target from the Azzurri. The script doesn't change in the second half: slow pace, but Barcelona has the main chances while Napoli never creates any danger.
In the 60th minute, the Blaugrana took the lead: Pedri found Lewandowski, the Polish striker connected, faked the shot and then beat Meret with a low shot that went in to make it 0-1. It seemed all lost for the Azzurri after conceding the goal and in the 66th minute, Pedri almost scored again, thanks to a Meret who was not perfect in his handling.
The Blaugrana, however, did not deliver the knockout blow, the match returned to a slow pace and in the 75th minute came the sudden, even surprising episode that changed things again. Napoli in fact equalised with the very first shot on target of the match.
Anguissa serves Osimhen, who frees himself with the physique of an awkward Inigo Martinez and all alone in front of Ter Stegen doesn't miss: the goalkeeper is wrong-footed and the ball goes into the net for the 1-1 that rekindles the Maradona crowd. The Neapolitans believe in it, they press Barça in their own half of the pitch.
In the 86th minute, Anguissa beats everyone to a header from a corner: the ball goes just wide. Simeone also tries from outside the area, but his shot goes high over the crossbar.
The match ends with a thrill: Lewandowski lays it off, Gundogan shoots from outside the area: the ball goes just wide. It ends 1-1.
Article published on 21 February 2024 - 22:54
