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Gunning for a spot in the final eight of the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona and Napoli took to the field in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie last night. After all, there was everything to play for after the 1-1 draw in the first leg.
The clash at Estadi Olimpic de Lluis Companys featured nail-biting action with both teams stepping on the gas and upping the ante. Neither side, ironically, appeared to be in disarray despite their relatively poor domestic form this season.
Barcelona scored twice in two minutes through Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo early in the half. Napoli cut the deficit to one through Amir Rrahmani’s perfect finish from distance and the second half had everything to play for.
In the end, however, Napoli simply could not get past the Catalan defence once more and Barcelona emphatically took a 4-2 lead on aggregate through Robert Lewandowski. They are now in the quarterfinals of the elite European competition and good company.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from the second leg against Napoli.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 7.5
Coming off three consecutive clean sheets, the German goalkeeper saw his streak break on Tuesday night. Yet, that does not go to say that his performance was inferior by any means.
Ter Stegen could not do much to deny Napoli’s opening goal for it was impeccably placed. The goal apart, he made three saves from inside the box in just the first half including a critical tip over the crossbar to deny the Italians a clear equaliser.
Jules Kounde: 7
A tricky night for Barcelona’s right-back, for he was pitted against the in-form Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Did not venture too far forward, stayed put in defence and was decent with his distribution.
Ronald Araujo: 7
Returning to the starting lineup, Araujo was relatively solid in central defence against Napoli but not without the occasional error. Still tangibly away from his best version.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
The youngster was given a run in Barcelona’s most…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-3-1-napoli-4-2-aggr-player-ratings/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-03-12 21:53:52
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