On August 8, 2020, Barcelona faced Napoli in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at the Camp Nou. Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory on the night, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 4-2 aggregate win.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Barcelona: 3 (Clément Lenglet 10′, Lionel Messi 23′, Luis Suárez 45′ (pen.))
- Napoli: 1 (Lorenzo Insigne 45+5′ (pen.))
- Possession:
- Barcelona had 47% possession, while Napoli had 53%. Although Napoli had slightly more control of the ball, Barcelona’s effectiveness in the first half was decisive, allowing them to secure the lead early and manage the game.
- Shots:
- Barcelona registered 7 shots, with 4 on target, highlighting their clinical finishing. Napoli had 18 shots, with 8 on target, but despite their efforts, they struggled to break down Barcelona’s defense effectively.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Barcelona had a passing accuracy of 84%, completing 460 passes out of 546 attempts. Napoli’s passing accuracy was slightly higher at 88%, completing 596 passes out of 677 attempts. Despite Napoli’s better ball retention, Barcelona’s early goals allowed them to play more conservatively and focus on defending their lead.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Barcelona made 18 tackles compared to Napoli’s 12, reflecting their determination to disrupt Napoli’s play and protect their advantage. Gerard Piqué and Clément Lenglet were particularly strong in defense, dealing with Napoli’s attacks efficiently.
- Set Pieces:
- Barcelona’s first goal came from a set piece, with Clément Lenglet heading in from an Ivan Rakitić corner. Lionel Messi scored the second goal with a superb individual effort, beating several defenders before slotting the ball into the net. The third goal came from a penalty, converted by Luis Suárez after Messi was fouled in the box. Napoli’s goal also came from a penalty, with Lorenzo Insigne converting just before halftime after a foul by Ivan Rakitić.
- Individual Performances:
- Lionel Messi was the standout player for Barcelona, scoring a brilliant goal and winning the penalty that led to the third goal. Clément Lenglet was also crucial, not only for his opening goal but for his defensive solidity throughout the match. For Napoli, Lorenzo Insigne was their most dangerous player, scoring the penalty and being involved in most of their attacking play.
- Tactical Overview:
- Barcelona, under Quique Setién, used a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on quick transitions and making the most of set pieces and Messi’s individual brilliance. Napoli, managed by Gennaro Gattuso, employed a 4-3-3 formation as well, emphasizing ball control and high pressing. However, Barcelona’s early goals forced Napoli to chase the game, which played into Barcelona’s hands.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Barcelona (Ivan Rakitić 45′, Luis Suárez 73′). The fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up Napoli’s play and preventing them from gaining momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Barcelona won 3 corners compared to Napoli’s 7, reflecting Napoli’s attempts to push forward and create chances. Barcelona were caught offside 4 times, while Napoli had 2 offside calls, indicating Barcelona’s efforts to stretch Napoli’s defense on the counter-attack.
Summary
Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Napoli at the Camp Nou secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, with a 4-2 aggregate win. The match was effectively decided in the first half, with Barcelona taking a commanding 3-0 lead through goals from Clément Lenglet, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suárez.
Despite Napoli controlling possession for large parts of the game, they struggled to create clear chances against a well-organized Barcelona defense. Lionel Messi’s brilliance was on full display, particularly with his solo goal, which was the highlight of the match. Napoli’s only goal came from a penalty converted by Lorenzo Insigne just before halftime, but it was not enough to mount a comeback.
Barcelona managed the game well in the second half, focusing on maintaining their lead and limiting Napoli’s opportunities. The victory set up a quarter-final clash for Barcelona, but the performance, while effective, also highlighted some of the defensive vulnerabilities that would later be exposed in the competition.
The match is remembered for Messi’s exceptional performance and Barcelona’s ability to capitalize on their chances in the first half, effectively ending the tie before halftime.
