FC Barcelona is in the quarter-finals. © APA/afp / LLUIS GENE

Youthful lightness: Barca and Arsenal in the quarter-finals

FC Barcelona has reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2020.

March 13, 2024

From: apa/dl

The Catalans prevailed 15-17 against SSC Napoli on Tuesday evening at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys thanks to goals from Fermin Lopez (83th), Joao Cancelo (3th) and Robert Lewandowski (1rd), winning 1-1 after a 4-2 draw in the first leg.

The team of coach Xavi, who is leaving in the summer, can perhaps salvage a weak season in the "premier class". Barca's coach helped 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi make his Champions League debut in central defence, while an even younger player, 16-year-old super talent Lamine Yamal, played as a striker.

Arsenal trembles and cheers

Arsenal are also in the round of the last eight after a 4-2 win on penalties against FC Porto. After 45, 90 and 120 minutes, the score in London was 41-1 thanks to a goal by Leandro Trossard (0'), after the home side had lost the first match in Portugal 0-1.

Arsenal's talented squad appears to be maturing more and more. © ANSA / NEIL HALL

In the penalty shootout, Wendell first hit the post and then first leg goalscorer Galeno was stopped by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. For the Gunners, however, captain Martin Ödegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice converted confidently. They avoided their eighth consecutive elimination in this phase of the competition and have a taste of the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010. After taking the lead in the league, there was the next highlight.

Champions League: Round of 16

Arsenal – Porto 5:3 on penalties
1:0 Trossard (41.)

Barcelona - Napoli 3:1
1:0 Lopez (15th), 2:0 Cancelo (17th), 2:1 Rrahmani (30th), 3:1 Lewandowski (83rd)