Barcelona Beats Napoli to Reach Champions League Quarterfinals
Barcelona beat Napoli 3-1 in the Champions League last-16 second leg to go to the quarterfinals. After a 1-1 draw in Naples, Barcelona won 4-2 aggregate.
Raphinha’s exquisite cross found Fermin Lopez, who gently struck the ball into the net to give Barca an early lead in the 15th minute. Two minutes later, Raphinha’s shot hit the post and bounced to Joao Cancelo, who calmly doubled Barcelona’s lead.
Before the half-hour, Matteo Politano crossed low to Amir Rrahmani, who scored for Napoli in the bottom left corner.
Barcelona qualified for the quarterfinals as Robert Lewandowski scored from close range with seven minutes left in normal time. Barcelona’s 3-1 Camp Nou win showed their offensive and defensive supremacy.
Xavi, Barca’s coach, said, “Very thrilled, Barcelona is in the top eight in Europe. A well-deserved qualifying, controlled by offense and defense and great by Napoli.”
Barcelona will participate in Friday’s quarter-final draw after a 4-2 aggregate triumph. After a tough season, Xavi’s third-placed La Liga club hopes to shine in the Champions League. Barcelona’s comeback to the quarterfinals after years is pleasant.
Barcelona’s Champions League progress points to the draw, where they await their next opponent in the chase of European glory.
