FC Barcelona beat Napoli last night at 2nd leg of UEFA Europa League play-off. The Catalan giants knocked out Napoli from UEL in front of their crowd at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples, Italy. FC Barcelona scored 4 goals last night as compared to Napoli’s 2 goals. Barca advances to round of 16 in UEFA Europa League with the aggregate of (5–3).
Catalan side scored the opening goal of the match; it was sensational counter attack from FC Barcelona. Aubameyang recovered the ball after Napoli corner kick, and pass it Adama Traore who was clearly the fastest footballer on field last night; Traore then sprinted toward Napoli’s box with ball in his feet and give wonderful assist to Jordi Alba who scored the first goal of the game.
In the 12th minute of the game, Marc Ter Stegan pass the long ball to Ferran Torres who give beautiful backheel pass to Frenkie De Jong and he scored the stunning curler goal. That was the moment of pure magic and brilliance from Dutch midfielder who played exceptional last night and dominated the midfield along with Pedri and Sergio Busquets.
Victor Osimhen won penalty for his team in 22nd minute of the game, it was unnecessary foul by Ter Stegen on Napoli’s striker. Lorenzo Insigne took that penalty and scored the first goal for his team, which gives hope to Napoli’s fan. Gerard Pique scored the third goal for FC Barcelona just before the half time.
In 2nd half, Napoli tried to put pressure on Catalan side and created some chances here and there. But Barcelona remains undeterred and responds with the beautiful Barca like goal in 58th minute, which give the looks of vintage Barca. That goal was piece of art, created by Adama traore and Aubameyang finished that in spectacular fashion. Matteo Politano scored the last goal of the game in 87th min for Napoli, but it was too little too late.
Review:
This Match was pure entertainment, the first half of the game was probably the best half that FC Barcelona played in recent years. Barcelona was clearly the better side in both teams, they dominate the whole game. Their transitions were fast and creative, the pressure and the pace that Barca put on Napoli was relentless; they were on their neck and constantly going for jugular. The way Barcelona’s midfield dictate the whole game was exciting to watch; the movement, positions and distance between Barca’s players were sensational. Napoli was trying to capitalize on counter attacks, but Barca’s defense transitions were also on point last night.
FC Barcelona played the perfect first half, but 2nd half was not that dominating as Napoli also picked up the pace and started to test Barca’s Defense. At the end, FC Barcelona won this match easily, and showed the world that they are improving significantly in each game.
Napoli hasn’t been performing to their level in last few games, but they are still in the race of Serie A along with AC Milan, Inter, Juventus, and Atlanta. FC Barcelona is 4th in La Liga standings; they are fighting to stay in top 4 position of the league so they can compete in UEFA Champion League next season. Winning the UEFA Europa League will also help FC Barcelona to partake in UCL 2022/2023.
Stars of the Night:
Pedri and Frenkie De Jong were the stars of last night, both young midfielder showed exceptional composure and skills on field. Pedri is definitely the best player in the world for his position and he is only year 19 old. The way he is playing football, creating space, dictating pace, finding the solution in quick manner is phenomenal. His ability to remain calm and creative amidst chaos is elite; he is schooling world class midfielder on field and its pleasing to watch him play.
