FC Barcelona are eager to restart their underwhelming campaign, when they meet with SSC Napoli, who similarly have a poor run. These two teams brought their unfortunate domestic run in the Champions League, but are still lucky to reach this stage. Barcelona finished the group stage as the winners of Group H, after earning 12 points. Fortunately for Barcelona, they won their last two matches, which will somehow give them confidence. Meanwhile, Napoli finished the group stage at the second of their group, having 10 points in their campaign. However, Napoli‘s last three matches are from different results, which makes their results unpredictable. The meeting between these two teams is on February 22, 2024, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
FC Barcelona
Barcelona, a team that has been inconsistency throughout the season, is currently in the Champions League’s elimination phase for the first time in three years. They finished first in Group H, averaging 12 points from six matches. However, they lost two of the next three matches. The Catalan club is not only off the pace in La Liga’s title race but also out of the Copa del Rey. Despite their poor defense, they remain unbeaten away from home in La Liga, winning seven and drawing five on the road. Robert Lewandowski’s goal at Balaidos helped them win 24 points this term. However, they have kept only three clean sheets in their last 20 matches, which is a concern for the five-time European champions. Barcelona will face Italy, having only won one in 10 on their travels in the Champions League knockout stages over recent years.
Barcelona faces injury absences of key players like Balde, Gavi, Alonso, Roberto, and Torres, while Felix is doubtful due to an ankle problem. Vitor Roque and Lamine Yamal could make their Champions League debuts, alongside Robert Lewandowski.
SSC Napoli
Napoli, the quarter-finalists last year, finished as Group C runners-up in the first phase of this season’s Champions League, trailing Real Madrid by eight points. However, they progressed to the knockout rounds with three wins against Braga and Union Berlin. The Serie A side will now attempt to topple Real’s old rivals Barcelona for the first time, having failed to do so in three previous contests. Walter Mazzarri’s return in November has left the Partenopei in danger of missing out on European qualification. Napoli’s only goal in five matches was a late leveller from Cyril Ngonge against Genoa, highlighting their impotency without Victor Osimhen. The draw preserved Napoli’s unbeaten streak on home soil, as they have not lost any of their last five league fixtures at Stadio Maradona. However, they have never beaten Barcelona, who they lost in the last 16 four years ago.
Victor Osimhen, who started Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations final games, is back in action for Napoli. He should replace Giovanni Simeone, and Francesco Calzona has a fully available squad. Pasquale Mazzocchi, Cyril Ngonge, and Hamed Traore were added to the hosts’ UEFA list.
Prediction:
FC Barcelona (2.5)
Odds: -0.88
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