Winner of Napoli in the round of 16 return (3-1), FC Barcelona returns to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. A first without Lionel Messi since 2003.
Four years after the 8-2 loss against Bayern, FC Barcelona returned to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. It’s even the first time since 2003 at this stage of the competition without Lionel Messi! Three weeks after a draw in Naples (1-1), the Blaugranas won against the reigning Italian champion (3-1) on their home field at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Tuesday evening.
Xavi’s team played a full match, even without Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, who were recently injured. Established for the occasion, Raphinha made the difference at the start of the match and his team scored two goals in quick succession. Fermin Lopez took a cross from the Brazilian for the opener (15th), then Joao Cancelo followed a shot from the former Rennais repelled by Alex Meret’s post (17th).
No Kvaradona…
The Neapolitans quickly reduced the gap, thanks to their central defender Amir Rrahmani (30th), but they then ran out of ideas to be dangerous. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was discreet (muzzled by Jules Koundé), the visitors’ game being summed up by difficult balls for Victor Osimhen, at the feet or in depth. Pau Cubarsi, 17-year-old center, kept a watchful eye… FCB finally took cover 10 minutes from the end thanks to Robert Lewandowski, on a caviar from Sergi Roberto (83rd).
Barça joins PSG, Bayern, Real Madrid and Manchester City in the quarterfinals (pending the last two matches on Wednesday, Atlético-Inter and Dortmund-PSV). The draw is scheduled for this Friday (12 p.m.), for matches scheduled for April 30 and May 1 for the first legs, and May 7 and 8 for the returns.
