Barcelona had the chance to make it count for the first time in three years as they faced off against Napoli in the Champions League round of 16, with the first leg at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium.
The team started off well, creating some chances after moments of sustained pressure against Napoli, but were unable to score up until the 60th minute, as Robert Lewandowski converted a brilliant chance.
The lead lasted Barcelona no more than 15 minutes, though, as Victor Osimhen levelled the score after a mistake from Inigo Martinez in the backline.
Despite being head and shoulders the better side today, Barcelona will now take on Napoli at home three weeks later with the score stranded at 1-1.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 6
A bit careless in possession, with his passing going bezerk. Was called into action once and once again failed to make it count in a crucial Champions League knockout tie.
Jules Kounde: 7.5
A far more impressive performance from Kounde compared to the rest of his season today, as he dealt with Kvara brilliantly on the flank. Was in the right place at the right time often to clear danger inside the box also.
Ronald Araujo: 8
Did not leave Osimhen inside the box alone for a second, giving him all sorts of headaches off-the-ball. The one time he was not marking him, the Nigerian found a way through.
Inigo Martinez: 6
An absolute rock defensively before the goal, Martinez tracked Osimhen up to the half-way line at times to win duels. Has to blamed for slipping at a horrible time, though.
Joao Cancelo: 8
Barcelona’s best attacking threat today, Cancelo combined very well with Pedri on the wing and found a way past Di Lorenzo with ease multiple times. Was solid defensively, as well, intercepting a bunch of passes as Napoli tried to progress into the box.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7.5
Was at the heart of everything that went right for Barcelona in the first-half, creating a few chances, including having a great look at goal himself.
Whiffled out in the second half, though. His set-pieces were a pain to watch, and a lot of decisions questionable, as well.
Andreas Christensen: 6
Christensen was very well-positioned out of possession, proving to be a pain for the Napoli midfield. However, he was a pressing trigger for them with the ball, as his inability to turn under pressure caused problems.
Frenkie de Jong: 8.5
A man of the match performance from Frenkie de Jong today, who was everywhere on the pitch. Dropped deep to start attacks, carried the ball under pressure through midfield, and was also far more involved defensively than usual.
Lamine Yamal: 6
A game to forget for Yamal, who started the game well, but faded out as the game went on. Should have been substituted off earlier.
Robert Lewandowski: 8
Lewandowski continued his streak of good form as he created chances out of nothing a couple of times, and eventually broke the deadlock as well with a superb finish.
Pedri: 8
Had some moments of poor decision-making in the game, but eventually came through with a brilliant assist for Lewandowski.
