Four years later, Barcelona once again finds itself celebrating a triumph in the Champions League knockout stage. The five-time European champions secured their spot in the quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Napoli on Tuesday.
Fermín López, João Cancelo, and Robert Lewandowski found the back of the net for Barcelona as they advanced 4-2 on aggregate, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Italy three weeks ago. Amir Rrahmani managed to score for Napoli, but it wasn’t enough for them to replicate last season’s quarterfinal appearance, where they won a knockout round for the first time.
Having been eliminated in the group stage in the past two years, Barcelona hadn’t reached the quarterfinals since 2019-20, when Bayern Munich defeated them. “It was an incredible night,” remarked Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto. “It had been four years since this club was where it deserved to be. We have to enjoy this moment.”
In Tuesday’s other Champions League match, Arsenal advanced past Porto in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
For Barcelona, the Champions League represents perhaps their last realistic chance for a title this season. Having been eliminated from the Copa del Rey and trailing Spanish league leader Real Madrid by seven points, Coach Xavi Hernández has already announced his departure at the end of the season.
“It was a great match, very complete,” stated Xavi. “We have been criticized unfairly, and today we showed that this team is prepared to compete in Europe. We are among the best eight teams in Europe. We have to enjoy it.” The victory also brings much-needed extra income for Barcelona, which has been facing financial struggles recently.
Despite the win, Barcelona had to work hard to fend off Napoli’s threats after taking the early lead. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, in his 100th UEFA appearance, faced numerous challenges from Napoli’s attack.
Barcelona had several opportunities to extend their lead on counterattacks before Lewandowski secured the win in the 83rd minute with an assist from substitute Roberto. Lewandowski has now scored 13 goals in his last 13 Champions League knockout stage games.
The hosts took the lead in the 15th minute with a goal from López, followed by Cancelo’s strike just two minutes later. Napoli managed to pull one back in the 30th minute with Rrahmani’s first European goal. Napoli coach Francesco Calzona expressed disappointment, stating, “We gave them too much space, we lost possession often, we started with the wrong attitude and didn’t defend well.”
Despite several injuries, including Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, and Ferran Torres, Barcelona fielded 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí as a central defender, and he was named the man of the match for his performance in his European debut.
With the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City also advancing to the last eight, the Champions League is heating up for an exciting finish.
