Heckled by Naples, Barça ended up getting a draw at Nou Camp 1-1 in this round of 16 first leg of the Europa League and could even have snatched victory at the end. At the same time, the BvB took a correction at home by Rangers 4-2.
The front Zenith gave a small taste of lodging. No, it’s not the famous music of the Champions League that guided the entry of the players on the lawn of Nou Camp this Thursday evening. For the first time since the 2003/2004 season, Barça played in the Europa League with a round of 16 (or play-off) against Naples. This poster casually felt a little perfume of C1 between two teams accustomed to dispute it. The Culés took advantage of this poster to bring out their new recruits, Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traoré on the front line of the attack.
The trio was quick to stand out with a misplaced ball, recovered by the Gabonese and allowing Pedri to miss a first good opportunity (5th). It was then Nico who tested Meret’s gloves from a tight angle (14′). Osimhen responded quickly, failing in turn against Ter Stegen’s hockey-style exit (22nd). In this pleasant and lively start to the game, a first turning point came at the half-hour mark. In the same minute, Ferran Torres missed a huge situation that exploited ultimately the Naples. On the following raise, Elmas and Zielinski played with Jordi Alba to lead in two stages to the opening of the score of the Pole (0-1, 28th).
Barça get away with a generous penalty
Surprised, the Catalans took a little time to regain their senses. It was even necessary to wait for the second period to see them approaching the opposing surface, and even to obtain a very generous penalty following a hand from Jesus on a cross from Traoré. Torres equalized (1-1, 59th) and it was all Barça that seemed perked up. Aubameyang obtained a situation (63rd) then the entries of Dembele, whistled, and Busquets brought new energy. The Frenchman in particular triggered on his wing but neither Ferran Torres (87th, 90th +2) nor De Jong (90th) managed to conclude the winger’s offerings, while the defense miraculously pushed back his umpteenth hot ball (89th). Barça will be content with this 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Three other matches took place in parallel, including an incredible victory for Glasgow Rangers on the lawn of Borussia Dortmund 4-2. Without Erling Haaland, still injured, the Germans quickly took the broth. Goals from Tarvernier (38th), Lundstram (49th) and a brace from Morelos (41st, 55th) put the Scots in a good position for the return. Bellingham (51st) then Guerreiro (82nd) still closed the gap but that was not enough to end the nightmare evening of BvB. Finally, Betis overcame Zenith in Russia 3-2, while further south Sheriff Tiraspol beat Braga 2-0.
The results of the Round of 16 first leg (matches at 6:45 p.m.):
FC Barcelona 1 – 1 Naples: F. Torres (sp 58th); Zielinsky (29th)
Borussia Dortmund 2 – 4 Glasgow Rangers : Bellingham (51st), Guerreiro (82nd); Tavernier (sp 38th), Morelos (41st, 55th), Lundstram (49th)
Zenith Saint Petersburg 2 – 3 Betis : Dzyuba (25th), Malcom (28th); Rodriguez (8th), Willian Jose (18th), Guardado (41st)
Sheriff Tiraspol 2 – 0 Braga: Thill (sp 43rd), Traoré (83rd)
