Napoli welcome Barcelona to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for the second leg of their Europa League playoff battle on Thursday evening.
Taking part in their first match in a tournament that was previously alien to them, Barcelona’s inaugural Europa League tie was heading in the wrong direction after Zielinski was allowed to stroll into space and smash home the opener at the second attempt following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s initial save.
However, Barca’s appeals for a penalty were rewarded after Adama Traore’s ball struck the hand of Juan Jesus, and Ferran Torres converted the spot-kick to level proceedings, but the former Manchester City man could not capitalize on two late opportunities to settle the contest in his side’s favor.
Form Guide: Barcelona
Barcelona responded emphatically to their first-leg draw as they claimed a 4-1 win over Valencia in La Liga last time out.
The Catalan giants now head into Thursday’s game unbeaten in each of their last five games in all competitions, claiming three wins and two draws in that time.
Xavi’s side would have taken a first-leg advantage to Naples had they been that little bit more clinical in front of their own supporters, but there was no such lack of ruthlessness on show at the Mestalla, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s hat-trick and Frenkie de Jong’s effort sunk Valencia 4-1.
Form Guide: Napoli
Clashes with Lazio and AC Milan follow the second leg for this injury-hit Napoli outfit, who are still in with a real shot at Calcio glory and are aiming to avoid being dumped out of the Europa League at this stage for the fourth time in seven seasons.
A six-game unbeaten run across all competitions does stand the hosts in good stead ahead of Thursday’s showdown, but a tally of just two wins from their last six on home soil is not a recipe for success against this new-look Barcelona outfit.
How the match could go
After the first leg of this Europa League tie ended in a draw, things are very much in the balance.
Barcelona were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw on Napoli’s turf during the 2019-20 Champions League last-16 before winning 3-1 at home, and another entertaining affair could be in store here, with both sides scoring in all three competitive meetings between the European powerhouses.
Their opponents on the other hand are yet to reach the final of a UEFA tournament let alone win it since Diego Maradona won the UEFA Cup for the club in 1989. Therefore expect both teams to deliver their best this Thursday.
Betting Predictions
Barcelona to Win
Today’s game would look to be a very tough game for both sides. With both sides unbeaten across their last five games we are not convinced this match is settled that easy for Barcelona but we are sure of them pulling through. Napoli have won two and drawn three of their last five with Barcelona tipping the other way; they’ve won three and drawn two. Why do we lean towards Barca to qualify? Their form is seemingly on an upward trajectory under Xavi whilst Napoli are not in their best moment.
With four wins from the last seven meetings between the sides, Barcelona boast a superior record in the history of this fixture. Napoli have managed one win in that time, while two games have ended all square. Bet9ja have 2.50, 1xbet have 2.57 and Paripesa have 2.57 odds.
Both Teams to Score (Yes)
These sides both scored in the first leg and we 100% see that happening again in the second leg. Napoli have now seen both teams score in four of their last five matches – including the last three. Meanwhile, Barcelona have seen both sides score in each of their last four games.
As for the head-to-head record, four of the last five clashes between these two have ended with goals for both. In a match of such magnitude, either team is unlikely to keep a clean sheet. Moreover, the hosts have scored in their eight fixtures while their opponents have done so in their last fourteen fixtures. Bet9ja have 1.63 odds, Paripesa have 1.70 and 1xbet have 1.70 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Barcelona)
Aubameyang
After a thrilling performance this past weekend against Valencia scoring a hattrick, it looks as though Aubameyang seems to be banishing the demons of his painful Arsenal exit, and the former Borussia Dortmund man could yet play a key role in this Barcelona side in this match. We can’t deny his impressive goal-scoring ability which is why he is included here. Bet9ja have 2.75 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.30.
Ferran Torres
The Spanish forward kept Barcelona in the tie, converting his spot-kick and earning Barcelona a draw. Although he was lackluster in front of goal as he could not convert two clear-cut chances late in the game to settle the tie in Barcelona’s favor. He would surely have such opportunities again today and he’ll likely convert it. Bet9ja have 3.25 odds and Paripesa have 3.70 odds for him to score.
Anytime Goalscorer (Napoli)
Osimhen
Despite the Nigerian being rested for the game against Cagliari in the Serie A, Victor Osimhen rescued a point for Napoli last weekend and has scored their second match goal with his previous two UEL strikes. Today, he will be leading the attack and surely he is one the favorites to score here today. Bet9ja have 3.00 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.90.
Mertens
Dries Mertens could be on the score sheet here today with a good track record against big sides. He scored the last time his side Barcelona but it wasn’t enough to seal a victory for them. He would have the chance of rewriting those wrongs and getting his team a win that they feel they deserve. Bet9ja have 3.25 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 2.87.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
