Robert Lewandowski is the first Barcelona player to score a UCL knockout-stage goal since Lionel Messi in March 2021 🤯

During the first leg of the 1/8 round of the UEFA Champions League, which took place at Diego Maradona Stadium, Barcelona was able to maintain a 1-1 tie thanks to the goal scored by Lewandowski.

 

Barcelona fielded its strongest lineup on the evening of February 21, marching to the Diego Maradona Stadium in Napoli. Lewandowski and Yamal, a fresh prodigy, were the two players who led the attack for Barcelona. Francesco Calzona was appointed as the interim coach after the Italian representation broke ways with coach Walter Mazzarri. This decision was a surprise to the Italian representative.

Lewandowski helped Barcelona draw Napoli in Italy - 1

Lewandowski opened the scoring for Barcelona (Photo: Getty).

In the first few minutes of the game, Barcelona was the team that exerted the most pressure on the field players. Yamal, a young prodigy, consistently generates technical breakthroughs, which causes Napoli’s defense to face a great deal of difficulty.

 

The Catalan club was unable to score a goal in the first half despite the fact that they were the dominant team in the first half and forced goalkeeper Alex Meret to demonstrate his skills three times.

 

Robert Lewandowski was the one who made his mark, and the difference was only formed in the second half of the game. After receiving a feed from Pedri in the sixty minute mark, the Polish striker deftly handled the ball inside the penalty area and then blasted it into the near corner to launch Barcelona into a 1-0 lead.

Following the loss, Napoli encouraged their players to attack, but Barcelona opted for a defensive counterattack following the loss. Barcelona suffered losses as a result of a lack of attention and error in defense.

Lewandowski helped Barcelona draw Napoli in Italy - 2

Victor Osimhen equalized 1-1 for Napoli (Photo: Reuters).

In the 75th minute, defender Inigo Martinez was not tight enough to let Victor Osimhen pass and the Nigerian striker defeated goalkeeper Stegen, equalizing 1-1 for Napoli. This was Napoli’s only chance in this match and they took advantage of it successfully.

Barcelona pressed the field in the last 15 minutes, but coach Xavi Hernandez and his team could not find a second goal. However, the 1-1 away draw gave Barcelona an advantage before the second leg of the 1/8 round. UEFA Champions League at Nou Camp on March 13.

Squad

Naples : Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Olivera; Anguisa, Lobotka, Cajuste (Traore 68′); Politano, Osmihen (Simeone 77′), Kvaratskhelia (Lindstrom 68′)

Barcelona : Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Ignigo, Cancelo; Christensen (Romeu 86′), De Jong; Yamal (Raphinha 80′), Gündogan, Pedri (Felix 86′), Lewandowski.