Xavi: 'Draw is an unfair result for Barca'

Italy According to coach Xavi, Barca should have won, instead of drawing 1-1 with Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on the evening of February 21.

"We are a little sad about the result," Xavi told Amazon Prime Video Italia after the game. "Napoli could barely do anything in attack and we only gave them one chance. Barca should have won. The fairest result is that we won."

Xavi directs the Napoli - Barca match in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on the evening of February 21 at Diego Maradona Stadium. Photo: NP

According to Xavi, after Barca took the lead and before Napoli "woke up", the players needed to find a way to finish the match. However, Barca failed to do so and let their opponents equalize. The Catalan coach admitted that this was a familiar scenario in the Champions League, and he had to accept it.

Disappointed with the result, Xavi still praised his players' performance. He insisted that Barca had improved both offensively and defensively compared to their recent form in La Liga. "The performance was more than excellent and the only thing missing was a win," Xavi added.

In the match on the evening of February 21 at Diego Maradona Stadium, Barca dominated with 55% ball possession and 11 shots. After 60 minutes, Robert Lewandowski converted the visitors' advantage into the opening goal. Meanwhile, Napoli only shot four times and aimed at the goal once. However, from the only shot aimed at the goal in the 75th minute, Victor Osimhen equalized for the home team.

On March 12, the two teams will play the second leg at Montjuic Stadium, Barca's temporary home while the Camp Nou is being renovated. Barca's goal at Diego Maradona Stadium no longer has much meaning, as UEFA has abolished the away goals rule.

In 2020, Barca also met Napoli in the Champions League round of 16. The Spanish team advanced after drawing 1-1 away in the first leg, then winning 3-1 at home in the second leg.

Thanh Quy (according to APVI )

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