By Barcelona’s Champions League round of 16 clash against Napoli at the Stadio Maradona ended in a 1-1 draw, with Robert Lewandowski giving Barcelona the lead in the 60th minute, only for Victor Osimhen to equalize for Napoli in the 75th minute. Despite taking the lead, Barcelona head coach Xavi lamented his team’s inability to control the game, stating that they lacked maturity at crucial moments.
“We had the game in our hands,” Xavi said in his post-game news conference. “We played well defensively, and Napoli didn’t create many chances. However, we lacked control and aggression when we needed it most. It’s a shame because overall, it was a good performance, and I am proud of the team’s effort. This is the Barcelona we want to see, but we need to improve our game management.”
Xavi also highlighted the positives from the match, stating that Barcelona would continue to play in a similar style in future games. “Physically, Napoli may have been stronger, but if we continue to play this way, we will have a good chance of progressing and winning more matches than we lose,” he said.
Barcelona were playing their first Champions League knockout match in three years, while Napoli, led by new coach Francesco Calzona, have struggled in Serie A this season. Napoli were frustrated by Barcelona’s high pressing and struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Lewandowski’s goal was a moment of individual brilliance, as he received a pass from Pedri and fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner. Osimhen equalized for Napoli with a well-taken strike from inside the box, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Spain on March 12.
