Champions League: Victor Osimhen Shines As Napoli Draw Barcelona In Last 16 First-Leg

 

Napoli come from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Barcelona with their Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen producing the equaliser on his first start since the international break for the 2023 AFCON Cup in Cote d'Ivoire.

Robert Lewandowski delivered the opening goal for Barcelona after they had played through a goalless opening half, with a through from Pedri he unleashed a low-cut shot from inside of the box to beat Alex Meret to the net. 

Napoli leveled the scoreline with Osimhen rounding Inigo Martinez  before smacking a right-foot shot home from inside of the box. He was thereafter replaced by Giovanni Simeone as the game progressed to finish in a draw. 

Barcelona will host their counterparts on their turf at Nou Camp Stadium for the second-leg time of the Round of 16 of the Champions League. 

 Quick Overview 

Much of the opening half was split in between the two teams in terms of control and possession. Neither could find pockets of chances to really cause a scare. Lewandowski was kept in check by the Napoli defence and likewise was Osimhen in Barcelona's box. 

The second period saw both goals from both sides and Lewandowski's opener was delightfully finished. Napoli left pockets of chances for a break in for Barce and pedri slid the right ball through to the Polish striker. 

Osimhen remained the arch-finisher for Napoli and he proved that by the way he finished the only neatest chance he had since the start of the game. The build-up to the equalizer produced the neat for Napoli to score, and Osimhen, rather than fouling Martinez dumbed him to win Andre Anguissa's through pass and guided the ball home from the centre of the six-yard box. It was a spectacular finish. 

Great contributions from Ilkay Gundogan with some shots on target, and likewise, Lamine Yamal before Barce moved up in the lead. Anguissa through the game played a vital role in the midfield for Napoli to keep the side deep in their opponent's half.