Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández expressed his disappointment as his team was held to a 1-1 draw by Napoli in the Champions League round-of-16 clash at the Stadio Maradona. Robert Lewandowski put Barcelona ahead in the 60th minute, but Victor Osimhen's equalizer for Napoli leveled the score in the 75th minute, setting up an intriguing second leg in March.
Xavi acknowledged that Barcelona lacked maturity in crucial moments of the game, despite playing well and defending solidly. He highlighted the need for his team to show more control, personality, and aggression when leading. However, he praised the overall performance of the team and emphasized the importance of maintaining a similar style of play to secure positive results in the future.
Lewandowski's goal extended his impressive scoring streak, with the Polish striker now having netted five goals in his last four matches across all competitions. Xavi commended Lewandowski's improved contribution to the team, noting his leadership qualities and work rate both on and off the ball.
Barcelona, currently trailing in LaLiga, will face Getafe, Athletic Club, and Mallorca before the return leg against Napoli on March 12. Xavi expressed his longing for Camp Nou, which is undergoing renovations, highlighting the impact of playing away from their iconic stadium.
On the other hand, Napoli, who recently appointed Francesco Calzona as interim manager, showed resilience against Barcelona despite their struggles in Serie A. Calzona praised his team's fighting spirit and the positive response in the second half, culminating in Osimhen's crucial goal.
Both teams will look to address their shortcomings and build on the positives from the first leg as they prepare for the decisive return fixture. The absence of fans at Camp Nou adds a unique challenge to Barcelona's campaign, while Napoli aims to carry forward the momentum from their spirited performance against the Spanish champions.
