Barca and Napoli are two of the most successful clubs in European football history. Still, Barca failed to qualify for the Champions League and was shown the way to play the qualification for the Europa League round of 16. Barcelona reacted to a 1-1 draw against Napoli in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs at Camp Nou. With a 1-1 draw from the first leg at the Camp Nou, Napoli took on Barcelona at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium last Thursday night for the second leg of the Europa League play-off. Napoli did an excellent job keeping Barcelona 1-1.
Meanwhile, Barcelona made three substitutions from the first leg, with Sergio Dest, Ronald Araujo and Sergio Busquets replacing Oscar Mingesa, Eric Garcia and Nico. A six-match unbeaten streak in all competitions was not enough for Napoli ahead of Thursday night showdown, but just two wins in their last six home matches were no match against this new Barcelona. That is why, although they were the least favourite in this match, they were confident that they could face Barcelona, who, despite the improvement, nevertheless showed vulnerability. Taking part in their first match in a previously foreign tournament, the draw went in the wrong direction after Jordi Alba and Frenkie de Jong scored in the 8th and 13th, respectively. Napoli showed a ray of hope to the fans when Insigne scored from the penalty spot 10 minutes after de Jong netted the goal. Pique restored the two goals lead for Barca when he scored before the end of halftime.
FC Barcelona was the +150 favourite (risk $100 to win $150) in the 90-minute against Napoli. Barcelona confirmed their place in the round of 16 of the Europa League after a brilliant attack in the first half, beating Napoli 4-2. Barcelona has scored over three goals in the first half in three of their last five games. Barcelona did their best on the counter-attack in a frantic first half as new player Adama Traore settled down brilliantly at the club. Barca scored their fourth goal 15 minutes after half-time in the second half, thanks to an acceptable pass in typical Barcelona style. Barcelona took control and scored the fourth goal, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hitting the net.
Barcelona has long played with some of Barcelona’s best attacking players, and Xavi will be a happy coach when he moves on to the next round. Barcelona’s well-documented problems have relegated them to the Europa League – they ended third in the Champions League group stage behind Bayern Munich and Benfica – but the Europa League is the only European Cup that Los Cules has not won, and they will be desperate to win.