A goal from Robert Lewandowski was not enough to yield positive results in FC Barcelona's visit (1-1) to Napoli, a team that relied on their top attacker's goal.

Barcelona started the match with the authority needed against a weakened opponent due to the recent dismissal of their coach. Still, they ended up with the noose around their neck, surpassed by the late surges of a Napoli that relied more on heart than strategy, countering their overall inferiority with an individual flash, an action by Osimhen, facilitated by the haste of Íñigo Martínez, to score in Napoli's only shot on target.

Napoli breathed again thanks to their masked hero and the leniency and lack of accuracy of a team that deserved more in the first half. Barcelona was better in the initial 45 minutes, showing poise and authority. They took possession and went after a Napoli still dazed by the chaotic 48 hours prior, but Napoli resisted until halftime and even managed to recover in the last minutes of the first half, although without clear chances.

Lamine Yamal posed a threat on the right flank, playing wide with his weaker foot, dangerous in space, a lightning bolt in one-on-one situations with Olivera, always surrounded by Juan Jesús or Rrahmani for support. Not even with that setup could they stop the Spanish player, who became the youngest player in the Champions League to play in a knockout stage and had time to shoot from outside the box in Barcelona's first warning and the first significant save by Meret.

That kickstarted the best minutes for Xavi's team, neutralizing the limited threat Napoli posed. Only a flash from Kvaratskhelia in midfield and some crosses slightly troubled Barcelona's defense and reinvigorated the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, dimmed by their team's recent struggles.

Gundogan and Lewandoski, along with their young star, attempted to score. First, the Polish striker had a challenging shot inside the box after a good team combination, relatively comfortable for the Italian goalkeeper. Shortly after, a powerful shot from the German required a stretch from Meret, rallying his team in search of a reaction that never materialized.

It was shortly after the start of the second half that Barcelona reaped the deserved reward. Although Napoli seemed more engaged in the game, the chances again fell to the visitors. Yamal found Gundogan, who failed to finish well inside the box just before confirming another attempt, much weaker. However, the feeling was that Napoli had improved, but Calzona's men were unable to create danger or scare Ter Stegen.

They continued in the flat line of the past weeks that has accompanied them this season. Without 'Kvara' and Osimhen effectively contained, Barcelona finally got their deserved reward around the hour mark. It seemed like Napoli was more involved, but opportunities were once again for the visitors. Yamal found Gundogan, and the German did not define well inside the box before sealing another attempt, much tamer. The sensation, however, was that Napoli had improved, but Calzona's men were unable to create danger or scare Ter Stegen.

The turning point came when Barcelona reaped the deserved reward shortly after the start of the second half. Despite Napoli appearing more engaged, the chances fell to the visitors again.

Barcelona felt like the winner. Calzona substituted 'Kvara' with 20 minutes left, and for a moment, it seemed like Napoli's chances had gone up in smoke. However, in a poor ball exit and a bad decision by Íñigo Martínez, who tried to anticipate Osimhen at the edge of the area, the Nigerian equalized. He found himself alone against Ter Stegen and didn't miss. The masked hero of the City of Vesuvius appeared again, and Napoli breathed again.

Calzona's team could have won the game. The tables turned, and it was the Italians who took control against a diminished Barcelona. The crosses kept coming, the visiting defense crumbled, and a shot from Anguissa stopped the hearts of the fans at the stadium.

Barcelona had opportunities and was superior overall, but they didn't finish when they could, and in the Champions League, that can be costly. Osimhen left the tie wide open.