da cassino： The Polish striker bagged his fifth goal in four games but the Blaugrana were forced to settle for a first-leg draw in Naples
da bwin： For so much of this season, there have been questions asked about Robert Lewandowski's longevity as a top-tier striker. On Wednesday, though, he showed that there is some life in those old legs, as he provided a moment of class to give Barcelona the lead over Napoli, only to have his effort cancelled out following a defensive error as the Blaugrana settled for a 1-1 first-leg draw in the Champions League last 16.
Both Ilkay Gundogan and Lamine Yamal forced Alex Meret into athletic stops inside the first 30 minutes while Napoli, for their part, offered little, with Victor Osimhen largely starved of service and well-handled by the Barca centre-backs.
Lewandowski broke the deadlock after the break as the Poland striker received a pass from Pedri in stride, evaded Napoli pressure, and tucked the ball into the bottom corner. But the other big striker leveled things, as Osimhen spun Inigo Martinez and finished past a sprawling Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barca spent the dying minutes of the game holding on, as Napoli missed a handful of half-chances to grab what might have been a crucial second goal. Instead, the two sides grinded to a stalemate that might not be too bad for either team.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Stadio Diego Armando Maradona…
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Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Could do nothing about Osimhen's goal. Untroubled otherwise.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Given the unenviable task of dealing with Kvaratskhelia. Held his own, for the most part.
Ronald Araujo (7/10):
Up for the fight against Osimhen. Won his duels, put in a few important tackles, and was mostly fairly calm.
Inigo Martinez (4/10):
Made a mess of things on Osimhen's equaliser – playing the forward onside before getting bundled over.
Joao Cancelo (5/10):
Completed the most dribbles in the match, but wasn't particularly effective when it mattered. Created just one chance in an attacking sense.
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Andreas Christensen (6/10):
An agreeable showing at the base of midfield. Proves that he's now favoured there over Romeu.
Frenkie de Jong (5/10):
Not afforded much space when he had the ball, which rather limited Barcelona's attacking options. Got caught in a bit of a midfield scrap, and was lucky to avoid a second yellow.
Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
Quality in central areas early on, and was Barca's most apparent attacking threat for long stretches. Forced a big save out of Meret in the first half. His influence waned after the break, though.
Pedri (7/10):
Slick and solid in possession. Provided a lovely ball to set up Lewandowski's opener – the moment of class Barca coveted. Needs to do more of that.
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Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Once again Barca's brightest player, full of energy and creativity on the wing. Looked tired as the game wore on.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
Performance was questionable, but he took his opener in vintage fashion. Has now scored 93 Champions League goals, and five in his last four in all competitions.
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Raphinha (N/A):
Late legs for the tired Yamal.
Joao Felix (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Oriol Romeu (N/A):
No time to make an impact
Xavi (5/10):
Went with his strongest side for a massive test on the road. Barca didn't play the prettiest stuff, but were good value for the opening goal. They never seemed like holding onto it, though. This is Barcelona in 2024.