Post
Topic
Board Gambling discussion
Re: UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Season
by
abhiseshakana
on 10/03/2024, 12:46:23 UTC
That's what I want to see where Barcelona gives Napoli a crushing blow. At home, at least Barcelona can control the game more freely, for Napoli I don't think they want to lose easily. In terms of strength, it can now be said to be equal, but in terms of creating opportunities for young players, Barcelona is definitely superior. What I see from Barcelona's attack line is that they only need Lewandowski and Yamal in on-fire condition because Napoli only has 1 mainstay, namely Osimhen, no one else.
However, the problem is that Barcelona's problems have not ended after two key players were left behind due to injury and perhaps their midfield was not strong enough to handle the ball. The absence of De Jong and Pedri will make quite a significant difference and looking at previous matches in the domestic league they are quite difficult to win at home. Xavi knows what he has to do and the Champions League is not the same competition as the domestic league and here if they lose then they have to be eliminated.

The round of 16 second leg at home to Barcelona will be decisive and Napoli certainly wants to send Barcelona home sooner than this phase. In fact, the performance of the two teams is not much different, only with the lack of players, Barcelona is a little better than Napoli and as you said, using young players is one of the advantages that Barcelona has. Lamine Yamal is expected to produce good results later and as the youngest player he can be a solution to the deadlock that Barcelona often encounter.

I had the same thought. Barcelona managed to get a draw in the first leg, even though they played as guests, and in that match, Barcelona played quite well because they were able to play with their first team (including De Jong and Pedri). Even one goal scored by Lewandowski at that time was an assist from Pedri. So maybe Barcelona will not have the same performance in the second leg because they have to play without Pedri and De Jong. It's just that this time they have an advantage, which is that they will be playing at home.