Napoli defends itself against Barca, Arsenal fears

Despite taking the lead, FC Barcelona could only manage a draw in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against SSC Napoli. Meanwhile, Arsenal FC suffered a bitter defeat.

21. February 2024

From: dpa

Napoli at least managed a 1:1 draw against Barca in the Maradona Stadium. In the duel between the Spanish football champions and the Italian champions, star striker Robert Lewandowski put the Catalans in front after the break with his 93rd Champions League goal (60th minute). Napoli's top scorer Victor Osimhen (75th) managed to equalize. In the second game of the evening, Galeno (90th+4) scored late to give FC Porto a 1:0 win against FC Arsenal.

Barcelona were the better team for long stretches in Naples, where coach Francesco Calzona was making his debut. The guests pushed for the 1-0 lead from the start, but it only came after half-time. Barca goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen was powerless to stop Napoli's goal by Osimhen. Barcelona's last good chance was missed by the German Ilkay Gündogan with a low shot shortly before the final whistle.

Porto scored against Arsenal in the last minute. © APA/afp / PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA

In Porto, Arsenal didn't even benefit from having a lot of possession, as coach Mikel Arteta's team rarely found solutions in front of the opposing goal. The hosts actually had the better chances, with Galeno hitting the post from close range in the middle of the first half. The 26-year-old did better in injury time when he curled the ball into the goal from around 18 meters.