Barcelona will be the more frustrated of the two sides after their 1-1 draw with Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.
The Blaugrana travelled to the Campania capital for the first leg and took the lead just on the hour mark thanks to star striker Robert Lewandowski, giving them an edge in the decisive knockout clash. 15 minutes later, however, Victor Osimhen responded and drew Napoli level.
Barcelona now need to find victory in their second leg against Napoli on March 12 at the Camp Nou, a match that’ll be filled with tension for both clubs. Ahead of that match, Xavi’s side will have to play La Liga matches against Getafe, Athletic Club and Mallorca.
The Italian press had high praise for Barcelona star Lewandowski, with Gazzetta dello Sport highlighting how he “floated under the surface of the water like a shark, scored with his second bite and helped in defence.”
Corriere dello Sport agreed with this assessment but also noted how he began to slow down on the pitch, commenting: “One hour as a champion, then he suffered a clear and plausible physical decline.”
Lewandowski’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
- La Gazzetta dello Sport: 6.5
- Corriere dello Sport: 7
- Tuttosport: 7
- Il Mattino: 6.5
Joao Cancelo also impressed the Italian newspapers, who remember a far-less developed player from his time at Inter and Juventus. Gazzetta dello Sport said: “He’s the team’s lateral thinking, always an idea or an impact. They said he didn’t know how to defend, but from his side nothing passed.”
Corriere dello Sport also touched on the Portuguese full back’s positive performance but were less forgiving on his defensive work, commenting: “Among Barca’s best in the first half, but a subdued second half full of worries when Napoli decided to push on his side.”
Cancelo’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
- La Gazzetta dello Sport: 6.5
- Corriere dello Sport: 6.5
- Tuttosport: 7
- Il Mattino: 6.5
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