Champions League: Osimhen Rescues Napoli From Defeat Against Barcelona
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, was on target for Napoli against Barcelona in a 1-1 draw at the Diego Maradona Stadium in Italy on Wednesday night.
Osimhen featured in his first match since returning from Nations Cup duties and he played a vital role to keep his club in the Champions League round of 16 tie.
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The first half ended goalless but Robert Lewandoski gave Barcelona the lead on the hour mark.
Osimhen restored parity for Napoli with 15 minutes to go with a well taken strike to make it 1-1.
He produced a clinical finish after receiving a pass from Zambo Anguissa before shrugging off his marker to finish past Ter Stegen.
Osimhen’s goal ensured that Napoli’s new coach, Francesco Calzona did not lose his first match in charge of the team, after taking over 48 hours before the encounter.
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The former Lille striker has now scored nine goals for Napoli in all competitions this season, and he will be hoping to add to the tally in their subsequent games.
Alex Meret kept Napoli in the game with series of impressive saves from the likes of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandoski and Ilkay Gundogan.
Napoli coach, Francesco Calzona hailed his players for their battling showing against Barcelona.
Calzona said, “We have a lot of work to do, but I congratulated the team for rediscovering the desire to fight.
“It was a very good second half, but on a tactical level we need progress. I put out some players who were not in the best shape, we allowed Barcelona to change the lines and cross the field, which you cannot do with a team like this.
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Meanwhile, Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez believes his side deserved to win the encounter, citing his side’s inability to kill off the game.
Xavi said, “We are a little sad at the result. We should’ve won the game.
“Napoli barely managed anything in attack, we allowed them only one chance. These are the matches we ought to be winning, I think the fairest result would’ve been our victory.”
“I really liked the performance from the team, I saw progress both in attack and defence. The performance was more than good, we just had to finish it off.”
The second leg will hold at Nou Camp on March 12.
