Lionel Messi scored a superb solo purpose as Barcelona noticed off Napoli on Saturday however they’re more likely to want one thing much more particular from their captain to beat Bayern Munich within the quarter-finals. Messi’s weaving run and end got here between an early Clement Lenglet header and a Luis Suarez penalty, additionally received by Messi, as Barca acquired themselves a Three-Zero lead within the first half at Camp Nou. However Lorenzo Insigne gave Napoli hope simply earlier than the interval and an unconvincing second interval from Barcelona left them hanging on for a Three-1 win on the night time, Four-2 on combination.
“A second purpose would have given them a sense of euphoria that may damage you,” stated Barca coach Quique Setien.
“It is regular to get a little bit nervous.”
In successful the penalty, Messi took a heavy kick from Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and wanted therapy.
“It was a heavy knock,” stated Setien. “It must be handled however I do not suppose there’s a downside.”
After ending 5 factors behind Actual Madrid in La Liga, Barca resumed in the Champions League with doubts hanging over the type of the staff and the way forward for their coach.
Setien stated on Friday he had not thought of resigning however failure in Europe, after a turbulent home marketing campaign, would possible take the choice out of his arms.
Victory in opposition to Napoli eases the strain however the efficiency is not going to encourage confidence, even with Messi seemingly rejuvenated after three weeks relaxation.
Napoli, whose personal league season solely completed final weekend, ought to have had the benefit of rhythm however a disastrous opening half an hour left them with an excessive amount of to do.
Koulibaly, linked with a transfer to a number of elite European golf equipment this summer time, endured a very disappointing night time.
But Barcelona must enhance considerably to match Bayern, who superior after placing seven previous Chelsea over two legs and are arguably favourites to win the match.
“It is going to be very difficult,” admitted Setien forward of the quarter-final on Friday.
Messi now has 4 objectives in his final three video games and in a one-off match in Lisbon, the Argentinian is able to something.
However Bayern have their very own trump card in Robert Lewandowski and a extra full staff that makes them heavy favourites to achieve the semis.
Napoli started an eventful first half by hitting the publish as Dries Mertens went shut with a miskicked half-volley, just for Lenglet to move in for Barca from Ivan Rakitic’s nook after 9 minutes.
Messi made it two after a barnstorming run during which he fell to the bottom solely to dart again up and bundle his approach via three Napoli defenders earlier than curling into the far nook.
He thought he had one other after ending off a pleasant move from the skin of Frenkie de Jong’s proper foot however it was dominated out, the ball feathering Messi’s arm as he managed it.
However he couldn’t be surpressed for lengthy, harrying the unsuspecting Koulibaly within the penalty space and poking the ball away from his opponent, who was already swinging to clear and succeeded solely in bringing Messi down.
Messi wanted therapy and deferred the penalty to Suarez, who drove into the highest nook however Napoli made it Three-1 deep in first half stoppage time, Insigne scoring from the spot after Rakitic barged into Mertens.
Napoli wanted two extra to progress and loved their finest spell early within the second interval.
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They may have examined Barcelona’s nerves if Arkadiusz Milik’s header 10 minutes from the top had stood whereas Hirving Lozano’s late header hit the foot of the publish.
Barca have been relieved to listen to the whistle.
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