EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: OSIMHEN SCORES AS NAPOLI STAGES COMEBACK TO SECURE DRAW AGAINST BARCELONA
In the Champions League last-16 first leg, Napoli staged a comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against FC Barcelona on Wednesday. Victor Osimhen of Nigeria equalized after Robert Lewandowski’s opener.
The match, featuring last year’s Spanish and Italian champions, was characterized by a lack of attacking flair and toothlessness from both sides, reflecting their struggles in the current season.
Barcelona, standing third in La Liga and eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, dominated the first half against a disorganized Napoli team. Napoli, led by new coach Francesco Calzona, currently languishing ninth in Serie A, found it challenging to advance beyond their own half.
This marked FC Barcelona’s first Champions League knockout match in three years, while Napoli faced frustration due to Barcelona’s high pressing, resulting in missed passes and giveaways to the visitors who themselves struggled for creative ideas in possession.
Lamine Yamal, a teenager who, at 16 years and 223 days, became the youngest player in the Champions League knockout phase, was also aiming to be the tournament’s youngest scorer. However, he missed an early opportunity and saw a long-range shot saved by goalkeeper Alex Meret.
Ilkay Gundogan had two unsuccessful attempts for Barcelona before Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 60th minute. Pedri provided the pass just inside the box, allowing Lewandowski to create space and deliver a powerful strike into the bottom corner of the net.
This sparked Napoli into action, and Nigerian Victor Osimhen, playing his first game since the Africa Cup of Nations, equalized 15 minutes later. Osimhen executed a fine swiveling strike from inside the box, leaving the tie evenly poised for the return leg in Spain on March 12. (Reuters/NAN)
From The News Source:DailyTrust
