NEW DELHI: Barcelona secured their spot in the
Champions League
quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Napoli on Tuesday, sealing a 4-2 aggregate win.
Under the stewardship of coach Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona wasted no time asserting their dominance, with goals from
Fermin Lopez
and
Joao Cancelo
propelling them ahead early in the match.
However, Napoli fought back valiantly, with Amir Rrahmani finding the net to narrow the deficit.
Despite Napoli's resurgence, Barcelona held their nerve, and talismanic striker
Robert Lewandowski
sealed the victory with a clinical finish, ensuring their passage to the quarter-finals.
Speaking after the match, Xavi expressed his pride in the team's performance, highlighting their resilience and determination. He emphasized the significance of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2020, especially amidst a challenging season marred by injuries to key midfielders Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong.
Xavi credited the team's impressive form in recent matches to the contributions of young talents such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, who excelled once again against Napoli. Cubarsi, in particular, drew praise for his stellar defensive display against Napoli's formidable attack.
The match also saw Barcelona make history by fielding two players aged 17 or under in a knockout stage game, showcasing the club's commitment to nurturing young talent.
With the support of over 50,000 spectators at the temporary Olympic Stadium, Barcelona delivered a commanding performance, demonstrating their potential to compete at the highest level of European football.
Despite facing some nervy moments in the second half, Barcelona's attacking trio of Yamal, Raphinha, and Cancelo proved to be instrumental in securing the crucial victory.
As Barcelona set their sights on the quarter-finals, Xavi hailed the significance of the win and expressed optimism about the team's prospects moving forward. With their dynamic attacking prowess and newfound confidence, Barcelona aims to make a strong impression in the latter stages of the Champions League, signaling their resurgence on the European stage.
(With inputs from AFP)
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