Napoli – Barcelona

Barcelona will play for a win in Naples

Napoli and Barcelona are one of the most enigmatic pairings within the first leg of the Champions League play-offs. Both clubs have failed in domestic tournaments. Bookmakers give roughly equal quotes for the giants. Barcelona after the news that Xavi is leaving has picked up a solid run. The team managed to win three matches out of four in La Liga. The team is not in the championship race. Victories are given with great difficulty. In particular, Celta managed to beat at the expense of a penalty in the 97th minute. Joyful news for fans of the Catalans - the form of Robert Lewandowski. The Pole brought the number of goals in La Liga to twelve. In recent matches, the Pole at least remotely resembles himself from his best years. It is not excluded that he will still be able to shine in the Champions League. But there is still not much positive about injuries. Barcelona will not play in Naples: Torres, Feliz, Balde, Alonso and Sergi Roberto. The first three are the starting line-up players. Napoli are not just a disappointment, but a major failure in all top European leagues. The still reigning Italian champion has changed coaches and is still only in ninth place in Serie A. The team is no longer actually competing for a place in the Champions League next year. Under Walter Mazzarri things have become even worse than under Rudi Garcia. The club in the last four matches has only a harsh victory over Verona at home, which happened thanks to the individual actions of Hvici Kvaratskhelia. This was followed by a defeat to Milan and a home draw with Genoa. The team doesn't have a large number of injuries, but one loss is more than half of the squad. In the Champions League, Victor Osimhen's appearance on the pitch is in doubt. The Nigerian returned from the African Cup of Nations on the background of an injury. It is very likely that he will not be able to start the match in the starting lineup. This is a big advantage for Barcelona, as there is no equivalent replacement anywhere near. Without Osimhen, the club is unable to realise chances: the current goal deficit within the expected statistics is six goals. Barcelona in the line is gradually being brought to a small underdog. There are questions about that status. For Napoli now only bare emotions. Xavi's wards are in a mini-crisis, but the Catalans have an understanding of their own game despite the problems. Napoli look like a typical mid-table side with no prospects. If Osimhen is not on the pitch, the hosts' chances are objectively halved. In favour of Barcelona speaks the powerful form of Lewandowski, a successful series and a kind of emotional impulse after the announcement of Xavi's departure. The Catalans should play the match with an advantage.