Jordi Alba and Adama Traore stood out as Barcelona cruised to a 4-2 win over Napoli to qualify for the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.
Barcelona started the game on the front foot and grabbed a deserved lead at the end of a blistering counter-attack, with Jordi Alba producing a pleasantly surprising right-footed finish to make it 1-0. The visitors were two to the good in no time, with Frenkie de Jong finding the top right corner with a long-range effort.
But Marc-Andre ter Stegen offered Napoli a way back into the contest, as he inexplicably brought Victor Osimhen down to concede a penalty. Lorenzo Insigne converted the resulting spot-kick, making no error in pulling a goal back for Napoli. But Barcelona remained unfazed and continued dominating the proceedings.
The Catalan giants restored their two-goal cushion at the stroke of half-time, with Gerard Pique scoring from close range after collecting a deflected pass from Jordi Alba. Barcelona’s win was then rounded off at the hour mark, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rifled his effort into the top corner from Adama Traore’s low cross.
But Napoli threatened to pull a goal back after that, which they duly did in the 87th minute through a fabulous strike by Matteo Politano. However, that was too little too late, as Barcelona held on to claim a 4-2 win and reach the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Xavi Hernandez’s men.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 4/10
Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s horror season continues as he inexplicably brought Victor Osimhen down to concede a penalty while not moving an inch to stop either of the shots that went into his goal. He is not doing himself any favours, especially in the wake of his recent comments.
Ter Stegen was playing the Mannequin Challenge ??? pic.twitter.com/dVlQjuAWi8
— Ziad is back in pain (@Ziad_EJ) February 24, 2022
Sergino Dest: 7/10
Dest has done well to attempt to win Xavi over in the past week. The USMNT international was once again a solid customer at the back, neutralising Lorenzo Insigne’s threat smartly, winning seven duels in the process. He hardly ever lost the ball carelessly, misplacing only three passes all game long.
Ronald Araujo: 7/10
Araujo was a solid customer at the back, as is usually the case with him. The Uruguayan defender contained Victor Osimhen smartly and never looked in trouble throughout the game. But there were a few sloppy passes when he was playing out from the back, which was the only negative in an otherwise complete performance.
Gerard Pique: 8/10
Pique’s return to the starting lineup was always going to galvanise Barcelona, and he helped the visitors become close to indomitable at the back. The veteran defender held the backline together firmly and never let Osimhen get on top of his side. But his touch and finish for his goal take the cake, with Pique sure to have left many pleasantly surprised with his effort.
Jordi Alba: 9/10
Alba’s form has skyrocketed all of a sudden, and the veteran left-back was Barcelona’s best player on Thursday. The Spanish international started the game in blistering fashion, scoring the opener with a superb right-footed finish. He then set Pique up for Barcelona’s third and carried a constant threat down the left flank. Alba was also solid defensively, containing Eljif Elmas smartly.
Jordi Alba’s last five games for Barcelona:
⚽️ vs. Atlético
?️ vs. Espanyol
❌ vs. Napoli
?️ vs. Valencia
⚽️ vs. NapoliIf he’s not assisting, he’s scoring. ? #UEL pic.twitter.com/adaUF20Z9j
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 24, 2022
Pedri: 7/10
Pedri’s performance on Thursday might not have been as alluring as the came versus Valencia. But the Spaniard played his part in ensuring Barcelona’s dominance, finding Adama Traore to release his compatriot on his runs. The teenage prodigy also put in the hard yards off the ball, winning three duels.
Sergio Busquets: 8/10
Busquets was a rock in the middle of the park and a major reason why Barcelona dominated the game so effortlessly for the most part. The veteran midfielder barely misplaced a pass while setting a quick tempo to the game and even creating two chances. He has gradually rediscovered his best form under Xavi.
Frenkie de Jong: 8/10
Xavi: "Frenkie de Jong played an amazing game. He is great." pic.twitter.com/c2YmHe0LIs
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 24, 2022
Frenkie de Jong was Barcelona’s creator-in-chief, pulling the strings masterfully when the visitors dominated the proceedings. The Dutchman also scored a goal to add sheen to his performance while playing a game-high three key passes. All the talk of de Jong possibly being on the chopping block seem to have ended for good.
Adama Traore: 9/10
Traore has transformed into a brilliant right-winger shortly after rejoining Barcelona. The Spanish international constantly hugged the right touchline, which helped stretch play smartly. Along the way, Traore also grabbed two assists, first setting Alba up for the opener before finding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Barcelona’s fourth.
Barcelona newcomers coming up clutch ?
Aubameyang – 4 goals ⚽️
Adama – 4 assists ?️#UEL #NapoliBarca pic.twitter.com/y66JMPbFOR
— VBET News (@VBETnews) February 24, 2022
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 8/10
Aubameyang was not as clinical as in the weekend game against Valencia. But the former Arsenal captain still made his mark, scoring his fourth goal for Barcelona to seal the win. He produced a few wasteful efforts along the way but also held the ball superbly to bring his teammates into the game. Aubameyang also started the move that culminated with Alba’s opener.
Ferran Torres: 7/10
Ferran Torres was a bundle of energy on the left flank and constantly looked to run at the Napoli defenders. While he is still not clinical enough, the Spaniard helped open up play nicely and linked up brilliantly with the marauding Jordi Alba. He can become a true asset for Xavi if he finds his shooting boots.
SUBSTITUTES
Gavi: 6/10
With the game practically won, Gavi kept play ticking following his introduction, barely misplacing a pass in the final half an hour.
Ousmane Dembele: N/A
Dembele comically forgot his shirt in the dressing room ahead of his substitution. But he carried a threat on the right flank upon being introduced, producing another solid cameo.
Luuk de Jong: N/A
On for Aubameyang, Luuk de Jong did not get any opportunities to trouble Alex Meret in the Napoli goal.
Nico Gonzalez: N/A
Gonzalez replaced Pedri for the final 15 minutes and produced a professional cameo, completing all his attempted passes.
Riqui Puig: N/A
A late introduction, Puig helped see the game out.
