Impressive Xavi's Team Defeats Napoli And Advance To The Europa League Last-16.

Barcelona advanced through to the Europa League last 16 after completing a commanding 5-3 aggregate victory away to Napoli on Thursday night.

 

Following a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou last week, Jordi Alba, Frenkie de Jong and Gerard Pique were all on target for Xavi's side during a pulsating first half at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

New signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put the tie beyond doubt just before the hour mark; making Lorenzo Insigne's first-half penalty goal following a foul on Victor Osimhen in the box, and a late Matteo Politano strike nothing more than consolations for the hosts after a 4-2 triumph for Barcelona at full time.

The former Arsenal man continued his fine performance, fresh from his hat-trick in the 4-1 La Liga win away to Valencia on Sunday,  Aubameyang produced a sublime first-time finish into the top-right corner after De Jong neatly dummied Traore's pass.

It was a first defeat in seven games for Luciano Spalletti's side, as the Serie A title contenders became the seventh different Italian outfit to fall victim to the Blaugrana on home soil in major European competition.

Barca's boss Xavi Hernandez further revealed how his team were able to neutralize Napoli and get a first away win over the Italian side on the night.

Xavi also described the win by Barca as the “most complete” performance of the season

Speaking after the game, Xavi said, “We pressed well, high up, whenever we lost the ball…just like we did at home,”

“Napoli pressed high up and spaces were available in behind them. From defending a corner, we made a textbook counterattack.

“We took advantage of our fast players. We understood how to create and use a ‘free man’. I’m very happy for the team".