Barcelona defeats Napoli 3-1 (4-2 on aggregate): Robert Lewandowski scores, helping Xavi’s team advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrated scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match against SSC Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona secured their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in four years with a 3-1 victory over Napoli in the second leg. The Blaugrana had drawn 1-1 in the first leg in Italy, but they took control of the tie with two quick goals from Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo in the first 15 minutes.

Napoli managed to give themselves a lifeline when Amir Rrahmani scored a smart finish into the far corner on the 30th minute. However, despite dominating possession in the second half, Napoli couldn’t find the clear-cut chance they needed to level the score.

In the 83rd minute, Robert Lewandowski sealed the victory for Barcelona with a tap-in goal, securing a 4-2 aggregate win and a spot in the quarter-finals.

One of the talking points of the match was the impressive performance of Barcelona’s young players. Pau Cubarsi, only 17 years old, showed maturity beyond his years in defense, while 16-year-old Lamine Yamal was unlucky not to score. The Catalan side became the first team in Champions League history to start two players under the age of 17, and they proved that they belonged on such a big stage.

Although a push for the trophy may seem unlikely, Barcelona could pose a problem for their opponents in the next round if they get a favorable draw. With more established names set to return to the team, Xavi’s men could be a force to be reckoned with.

The player of the match was Raphinha, who had a significant impact on both of Barcelona’s goals and was a constant threat on the left side of the pitch, especially in the first half.

Player ratings for Barcelona:
– Ter Stegen 7
– Kounde 7
– Cubarsi 8
– Araujo 7
– Cancelo 8
– Lopez 8
– Christensen 6
– Gundogan 7
– Yamal 6
– Lewandowski 7
– Raphinha 8*
Subs: Romeu 7, Sergi Roberto 7, Joao Felix n/a.

Player ratings for Napoli:
– Meret 7
– Di Lorenzo 7
– Rrahmani 8
– Juan Jesus 6
– Rui 7
– Anguissa 7
– Lobotka 7
– Traore 7
– Politano 6
– Osimhen 7
– Kvaratskhelia 6
Subs: Olivera 6, Lindstrom 6, Raspadori 6, Ngonge n/a.

Match highlights:
– 15′ – GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Napoli: Fermin Lopez finds the back of the net with a first-time finish after a delightful ball from Raphinha – (Barcelona lead 2-1 on aggregate).
– 17′ – GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Napoli: Joao Cancelo scores from a rebound after Raphinha’s shot hits the post – (Barcelona lead 3-1 on aggregate).
– 30′ – GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Napoli: Amir Rrahmani slots a superb first-time shot into the far corner, bringing Napoli back into the game – (Barcelona lead 3-2 on aggregate).
– 80′ – Napoli chance! Jesper Lindstrøm misses a free header from a left-wing cross.
– 83′ – GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Napoli: Robert Lewandowski taps in the ball following excellent work from Sergi Roberto and Ilkay Gundogan – (Barcelona lead 4-2 on aggregate).