Barcelona vs Napoli: Raphinha Shines as Youth Secure Champions League Quarter-Final Spot

The Blaugrana defeated Napoli 3-1 to secure their spot in the Champions League quarterfinals. 

Raphinha scored goals on the left, Barcelona’s youth team scored on the right, and Robert Lewandowski sealed the deal in the middle. 

The Blaugrana advanced to the last eight of the competition for the first time since 2019.

Xavi’s team got an early advantage over Napoli, scoring twice in a short period of time to take the lead. 

In the middle of both, Raphinha set up Fermin Lopez for the first goal and then nicked a shot off the crossbar for Joao Cancelo to score off the rebound.

However, their hold over the proceedings was short-lived. 

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Amir Rrahmani’s casual stroll into the box to cap off a skillfully planned counterattack gave Napoli a one-point lead, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s spectacular diving stop denied an instant equalizer.

Lamine Yamal thought he had secured the victory in the second half, but his tap-in was disregarded due to an offside flag. 

Barca then squandered numerous more opportunities, with Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski all going close. 

But in the end, Lewandowski’s well-executed combination around the Napoli box allowed him to walk the ball into the net and clinch the victory.

Barca put on their greatest performance in months, with Xavi’s team scoring when it mattered most and the visitors only sporadically posing a threat. 

Is it time for Catalunya to dream?

The Barcelona players are ranked by GOAL from the Olympic Stadium.

Defense & Goalkeeper

ter Stegen Marc-Andre (7/10):

was powerless to stop Rrahmani’s objective. made a remarkable stop to stop a fast second. Consistent in his distribution as well.

Jules Kounde (8/10): He always seemed to have one of the more crucial matches on the field when he faced Kvaratskhelia. He held his own as the Georgian got more into the game, keeping him quiet early on.

Ronald Araujo (7/10): Quite erratic in confined areas, but he skillfully orchestrated the top line. But always willing to fight.

Pau Cubarsi (8/10): Osimhen was unable to locate the net in less than 60 seconds thanks to a cunning and prompt intervention. played some beautiful forward passes and had a somewhat at-ease demeanor the entire time.

7/10 for Joao Cancelo:

• landed on the scoreboard by himself. A handful of overplays notwithstanding, it is dangerous on the left wing. played a defensive role as well.
• ensen (5/10): Submitted a few of ridiculous tasks; lucky not to be kicked out.
• Not the best hour of his life.
• Fermin Lopez (8/10): Moved forward consistently. Placed one over the bar and clipped another just wide enough.
• compensated for it with a gorgeous ending. After an hour, he appeared worn out and appropriately subbed off.
• Ilkay Gundogan (7/10): Made things happen in the last third and acted as the glue in central midfield.
• Rrahmani’s goal for Napoli was not followed, though.

Assault

Lamine Yamal (8/10): Occasionally magical. Barca’s second goal was set up by his amazing run, and Rui was nightmared by his relentless deceit. had numerous opportunities to score, but missed a few and forced some nice saves.

Lewandowski Robert (6/10):

a little slack in the midsection, and he was largely ignored by the game. Couldn’t help but complete it, though.

Raphinha (8/10): Dangerous on the left the entire time and essential in the early goals. gave a kind assistance. At the end, Napoli had resorted to kicking him.

Manager & Subs

Oriol Romeu (6/10): Had no trouble settling into the defensive midfield position.

Sergi Roberto (7/10): When Barca were fatigued, he offered legs in the center. helped with Lewandowski’s knife.

Joao Felix (N/A): Too little, too late.

Xavi (8/10): He started with his best lineup but eventually moved to a 4-3-3. Fermin’s introduction was essential, as he made the appropriate substitutions to change up the action. Although his team may have been more clinical, he will accept the outcome. Have a pleasant evening.

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