Barcelona, Napoli play out tight 1-1 draw in Champions League

Barcelona and Napoli drew 1-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium

In a closely contested UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg match, Barcelona and Napoli played an intense 1-1 draw at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday. 

Despite Barcelona’s away status, they initiated the game with a high-press strategy, creating numerous scoring opportunities. 

The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, ending a four-match scoreless streak, capitalized on Pedri’s assist with a low drive.

However, Napoli responded resiliently, as Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen beat his marker and leveled the score with a precise low shot in the 70th minute. 

The match remained fiercely competitive until the end, with Napoli’s Argentine attacker Giovanni Simeone missing a chance to secure a late winner in the 89th minute.

The draw sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated second leg scheduled for March 12 at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, where both teams will vie for a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals

Source: Newsroom

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