Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen was the hero as Napoli came from behind to share the spoils against Barcelona in the first leg of their last 16 encounter.
The Partenopei went into Wednesday’s game as underdogs, having won just once in their previous five matches in all competitions.
Francesco Calzona’s side had also struggled in front of goal, with their 2-1 victory over Verona being the only time they scored more than a goal in their previous four games.
However, Napoli were boosted by the return of Osimhen, who had been left out of last week’s Serie A clash against Genoa after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast.
The striker had a mixed outing at the AFCON, where he scored just once but led the Super Eagles’ attack by example, battling for every ball, linking up play and sacrificing his goals for his fellow attacking teammates also to flourish.
Osimhen earns Napoli draw against Barcelona
Osimhen was thrust into the starting line-up against Barcelona, marking his first start since returning from the AFCON, and played alongside Matteo Politano and Khvicha Kvaratskheila in a front three.
The 25-year-old struggled for large spells against Xavi’s side, whose game plan appeared to be marking the striker tightly to prevent him from finding any rhythm.
Barcelona would eventually take the lead after the hour mark when Pedri set up Robert Lewandowski to find the back of the net.
The Blaugrana looked set to leave the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium with an important first-leg victory but Napoli came back strongly in the final 20 minutes.
The hosts’ pressure ultimately paid off when André-Frank Zambo Anguissa found Osimhen, who shrugged off the challenge of his marker to level the score in the 75th minute.
The Nigerian striker was, however, substituted by manager Francesco Calzona immediately after he netted the equaliser, to the surprise of the home fans.
All to play for in Napoli and Osimhen
Meanwhile, there’s still all to play for in the second leg of the tie, which will take place on March 12, 2024, in Spain.
Barcelona will still be favourites but there’s no doubt that Xavi’s side has also been struggling in recent months, with their domestic form unconvincing.
The Blaugrana currently occupy the third position in La Liga, two points behind second-placed Girona and eight below leaders and eternal rivals Real Madrid.
Similarly, Napoli have failed to replicate their impressive form of the past season, which saw them crowned Serie A champions, having already sacked two managers in the current campaign.
The second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie between Napoli and Barcelona could, therefore, be anyone’s game, but Osimhen’s deadly presence means the Italian side cannot be underrated.
