Napoli 2-4 Barcelona: Player Ratings – 9 each for Pique and de Jong, ter Stegen gets a 3

Barcelona fans are a little too used to being humiliated in away games in European competitions recently and did not enter into the clash with Napoli with too much confidence.

Xavi’s team, however, broke the ceiling of expectation, scoring three goals in the first half and cementing their place in the Round of 16 with a 2-4 win. This could have been a perfect away day, probably with a clean sheet, had it not been for two unforced errors.

Either way, Barça did knock out arguably their biggest threat in the competition. Join BU as we run the rule over those in the Senyera tonight.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 3

Committed an unforced penalty on Victor Osimhen and did not move a bit as Lorenzo Insigne converted from the spot. Failed to collect a cross that led to a shot from Adam Ousnas. Could have done to protect his near post during the second goal as well. Abysmal outing.

Sergino Dest: 8

Sergino Dest is really coming into his new role as an inverted right-back. He put in a flawless display tonight, combining brilliantly with Adama Traore and Pedri on the right and often showing off his quick feet to find way out of the press.

Ronald Araujo: 8.5

Another spectacular game from Araujo, whose highlight came as he came across the box to stop Osimhen from shooting.

Gerard Pique: 9

Pique is slowly but surely building on a slow start to the season and was excellent yet again tonight. He matched Osimhen toe for toe during all attacks, not giving him any space to attack centrally. Defended flawlessly against a forward who was expected to ‘finish’ him and scored a sensational goal to cherry the cake.

Jordi Alba: 8.5

Arguably the most improved player under Xavi, Alba’s season has seen a turn in 2022. He opened the scoring in the first half, but, more importantly, stood his ground defensively. Barely gave Elmas and Politano an ounce of space, making four tackles and three interceptions.

Pedri: 8

This Barcelona team belongs as much to Xavi as it does to Xavi. The 19-year-old ran the midfield again, creating several superb chances and breaking the lines with every other pass.

Busquets: 7.5

Busquets did not put a foot wrong in the hour he played, creating two chances and controlling the tempo of the game. He lost possession just twice out of the 56 touches he had on the ball. His absence could be felt after he came off.

Frenkie de Jong: 9

A vintage Frenkie de Jong performance, who was crowned the man of the match and deservedly so. The Dutchman, after several games, showed his ability to break out of press with his ball-carrying skills.

He also created three chances and scored an absolute belter that left Alex Meret stranded. His best game of the season, probably.

Adama Traore: 8.5

Adama Traore continues to do the same things with the ball but is genuinely unstoppable. Mario Rui was left chasing shadows as the Spaniard assisted two goals and put in five crosses.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7

After a hattrick on the weekend, Aubameyang began the Napoli game with a lot of confidence but missed a few easy chances in front of the goal. Redeemed himself with a finish right into the top corner, though.

Ferran Torres: 6.5

Torres was visibly physically and mentally fatigued as he started on the left wing. He tried a few audacious shots, none of which hit the target. Had the chance to bury a superb move created by Aubameyang but failed to test the goalkeeper. Walked off in the 82nd minute with an assist to his name.

SUBSTITUTES:

Gavi: 4

Gavi did well to hold up and carry the ball for the 30 minutes he was on the pitch but picked up an unnecessary yellow card in the dying seconds, ruling him out for the Round of 16 first leg.

Ousmane Dembele: 4.5

Could not do much after coming in at the 75th minute but combined superbly with Dest on the wing. Attempted to create a move or two, but the game was done and dusted by that point.

Nico Gonzalez: 1

Noco had 20 minutes to play the safest football of his life with the score reading 1-4. Tried to overcomplicate things in the box after a simple pass from Pique, which led to Politano scoring.

Luuk de Jong: 3

Not much Luuk could have done in the final quarter of the game with Barça playing safe football. Did, however, have one chance at goal but refused to shoot, attempting a cut-back to Puig, which was intercepted.

Riqui Puig: 6.5

An elegant little cameo from Puig, who did not stop running for the ten minutes he got. Created a chance with a superb cross and made a tackle and interception each.