Barcelona Manager Xavi Hernandez declared on Monday that Barcelona’s most significant match of the season will be their home match against Napoli in the Champions League last-16 second leg. Reported by ESPN.
After losing in the group stage the previous two seasons, Barcelona has an opportunity to go to the quarterfinals on Tuesday for the first time since 2020. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
Read Also:Newcastle Star Aims Subtle Dig At Chelsea Following Defeat
They defeated Napoli 3-1 at home in the 2020 Champions League knockout round, which was their most recent victory. Europe is now the club’s top focus, as they currently sit third in La Liga, eight points behind champions Real Madrid.
“The season’s most significant game? Indeed, it is, and Xavi said at a press conference, “We’re excited and ready for it.” Four years have passed since we’ve been in the quarter-finals and that’s how we see it, we want to compete against an opponent who, although they are not going through the best moment, have the base of the [2023] Scudetto champion.”
Barca’s attempt to retain the title appears doomed, while Napoli’s is already done as the Serie A champions sit seventh in the standings, thirty-one points behind leaders Inter Milan.
Napoli’s third manager of the season, Francesco Calzona, took over in February, and since then, they have won all five of their games.
“With the new coach, who is more dynamic and at ease, Napoli have improved,” Xavi remarked. “It’s a big game and it’s a great team, the current Italian champions, so I expect a brave Napoli that plays from the back and presses high, that doesn’t speculate.”
“Napoli have improved with the new coach, who is more dynamic and comfortable,” Xavi said. “I expect a brave Napoli that plays from the back and presses high, that doesn’t speculate, has a lot of individual talent, it’s a big game and it’s a great team, current champions of Italy.”
COMMENTS