Napoli 1-1 FC Barcelona – Victor Osimhen scores late leveller to cancel out Robert Lewandowski opener
Napoli began life under new coach Francesco Calzona by earning a spirited 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg courtesy of Victor Osimhen’s second-half equaliser.
With Slovakia coach Calzona in the technical area for the home side after the dismissal of Walter Mazzarri on Monday night, the struggling Italian champions – who sit a lowly ninth in Serie A – rescued a merited draw when Nigeria forward Osimhen accepted Frank Anguissa’s pass to fire home on 75 minutes.
Barcelona had taken the lead on the hour-mark courtesy of Poland striker Robert Lewandowski’s 93rd career goal in the Champions League from Pedri’s delightful through ball.
The return leg on March 12 in Barcelona is well-poised after a draw that will not displease either side.
Talking Point: A tale of two strikers
This was a slow burner of a match in Naples between two sides who don’t have their troubles to seek in terms of managerial changes, but the second half certainly provided a glimpse of what could lie in store in the second leg.
Lewandowski is 10 years older than Osimhen, but both players are hot property in European football as the dynamic duo provided excellent finishes in an intriguing second half to leave this tie right in the mixer before they do battle in Barca.
In particular, Napoli would be well advised to let off the handbrake after discovering they can trouble their opponents if they can up the pace of their passes in the final third.
Player of the Match: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
While Barca may flatter to deceive at times, the Poland forward remains the real deal at the very highest level of the game. Was a constant threat to the home side with his finish for a fifth goal in four matches another class effort from a time-served technician. But no more than fans across the world have come to expect.
Player Ratings
Napoli: Meret 8; Di Lorenzo 6, Rrahmani 7, Jesus 8, Olivera 6, Zambo Anguissa 7, Lobotka 6, Cajuste 6, Politano 7, Osimhen 8, Kvaratskhelia 7 Subs: Traore 6, Simeone 6, Lindstrom 7, Raspadori 6
Barcelona: Ter Stegen 7; Kounde 6, Ronald Araujo 6, Inigo Martinez 5, Joao Cancelo 7; De Jong 6, Christensen 6, Gundogan 7; Yamal 7, Lewandowski 8, Pedri 7 Subs: Raphinha 6, Joao Felix 6, Oriol Romeu 6
Match Highlights
23′ MERET TO THE RESCUE The Napoli keeper is keeping his team alive in this tie as he gets down to deny Lewandowski, who is set up well from the cutback by João Cancelo. Napoli all over the show in defence.
25′ AND ANOTHER TOP STOP FROM MERET! Gundogan accepts the pass from De Jong. Hammers a shot at goal from distance, but the Napoli keeper is alive as he dives to his right to nudge over the bar. Plenty of venom on that hit.
60′ GOAL! NAPOLI 0-1 BARCELONA (LEWANDOWSKI) A sustained period of possession from Barca before Lewandowski takes two touches form the Pedri pass before thumping a low shot into the corner of the net from just inside the area. Brilliant finish down to the keeper’s right. What a vital goal that could be. Barca with the advantage. 93 UEFA Champions League goals for Lewa now.
75′ GOAL! (OSIMHEN) NAPOLI 1-1 BARCELONA Well, would you believe this. Napoli looked out of ideas, but Victor Osimhen gives Martinez the slip from the Frank Anguissa pass before finishing with ease as Marc-André ter Stegen dived the wrong way. 1-1 in Naples. Game back in the mixer.
85′ ARE BARCA STARTING TO TIRE? Napoli certainly coming on strong late as Pedri concedes a corner before Lewandowski is forced to clatter a loose ball away with the visitors all over the place at the back.
