Barcelona vs Napoli

Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys forms the backdrop for an evenly-poised Champions League last-16 tie between Barcelona and Napoli. After a 1-1 first-leg draw, there’s everything to play for here.

After three embarrassing Champions League campaigns, Barcelona could reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2019/20. However, they must rise above an ominous injury crisis to topple Napoli amidst an encouraging-looking eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions (W5, D3), bookended by a 1-0 home win against Mallorca last weekend. That was their third victory ‘to nil’ across their four most recent home outings (D3), putting Xavi Hernandez’s side in a prime position to navigate this tie. On top of that, the Catalan heavyweights have been victorious in 13 of their last 16 Champions League knockout ties on home turf (D2, L1). Though they don’t play at Camp Nou, Barcelona’s 100% win ratio across three European games at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys this season (W3) can inspire confidence around the home camp.

On the other hand, Napoli lost further ground on the European spots in Serie A after a 1-1 home draw against Torino last weekend, putting added pressure on Francesco Calzona to lead ‘I Partenopei’ into the Champions League quarter-finals. The reigning Scudetto holders reached the competition’s last eight for the first time in the club’s history last term, and an ongoing six-game unbeaten run (W2, D4) suggests they could replicate that feat this season. Calzona has rekindled Napoli’s fighting spirit since replacing Walter Mazzarri, with the Italians coming from behind to avoid defeat in three of their last six matches, including a 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo on their most recent travel. However, the visitors have faltered on Spanish soil, losing five times in their last six European visits to the country (W1).