Barcelona had the chance to make it count for the first time in three years as they faced off against Napoli in the Champions League round of 16, with the first leg at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium.
The team started off well, creating some chances after moments of sustained pressure against Napoli, but were unable to score up until the 60th minute, as Robert Lewandowski converted a brilliant chance.
The lead lasted Barcelona no more than 15 minutes, though, as Victor Osimhen levelled the score after a mistake from Inigo Martinez in the backline.
Despite being head and shoulders the better side today, Barcelona will now take on Napoli at home three weeks later with the score stranded at 1-1.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6
A bit careless in possession, with his passing going bezerk. Was called into action once and once again failed to make it count in a crucial Champions League knockout tie.
Jules Kounde: 7.5
A far more impressive performance from Kounde compared to the rest of his season today, as he dealt with Kvara brilliantly on the flank. Was in the right place at the right time often to clear danger inside the box also.
Ronald Araujo: 8
Did not leave Osimhen inside the box alone for a second, giving him all sorts of headaches off-the-ball. The one time he was not marking him, the Nigerian found a way through.
Inigo Martinez: 6
An absolute rock defensively before the goal, Martinez tracked Osimhen up to the half-way line at times to win duels. Has to blamed for slipping at a horrible time, though.
Joao Cancelo: 8
Barcelona’s best attacking threat today, Cancelo combined very well with Pedri on the wing and found a way past Di Lorenzo with ease multiple times. Was solid defensively, as well, intercepting a bunch of passes as Napoli tried to progress into the box.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
Was at the heart of everything that went right for Barcelona in the first-half, creating a few chances, including having a great look at goal himself.
Whiffled out in the…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/napoli-1-1-barcelona-player-ratings-champions-league/
Author : Udhav Arora
Publish date : 2024-02-21 21:52:14
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