Barcelona 3-1 Napoli (4-2 on agg.): Robert Lewandowski among goals as Xavi’s side make Champions League quarter-finals

Robert Lewandowski, Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo were on target as Barcelona booked their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in four years with a 3-1 second-leg victory over Napoli.

The Blaugrana were held 1-1 in the first leg in Italy but a lightning start saw them take control of the tie just past the quarter-hour mark with two goals in two minutes from Lopez and Cancelo.

Napoli looked like being swept aside but gave themselves a lifeline when Amir Rrahmani steered a smart finish into the far corner on 30 minutes.

The visitors dominated for long periods after the interval but could not manufacture the clear-cut chance to drag themselves level.

Lewandowski then made sure Barca will be in Friday’s draw for the last eight when he tapped home seven minutes from time to clinch a 4-2 success on aggregate.

This was a real mix of youth and experience with the likes of Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan complementing the Catalan side’s starlets.

At the back Pau Cubarsi belied his tender 17 years as he helped shackle Victor Osimhen as well as showcasing a fine range of passing.

Further forward 16-year-old Lamine Yamal was unlucky not to make history with a goal while Lopez was a livewire in the early stages.

Indeed, Barca became the first side in UCL history to start two players under 17 years and they did not look out of place on such a big stage.

A push for the trophy looks unlikely but with some more established names to come back into the fold, Xavi’s men could pose a problem if they get a favourable draw next.

Cubarsi was a revelation at the back, but the Brazilian forward gets the nod as he had a big hand in both Barca goals and was a regular threat on the left, particularly in the first half.

BARCA: Ter Stegen 7, Kounde 7, Cubarsi 8, Araujo 7, Cancelo 8, Lopez 8, Christensen 6, Gundogan 7, Yamal 6, Lewandowski 7, Raphinha 8*. Subs: Romeu 7, Sergi Roberto 7, Joao Felix n/a.

NAPOLI: Meret 7, Di Lorenzo 7, Rrahmani 8, Juan Jesus 6, Rui 7, Anguissa 7, Lobotka 7, Traore 7, Politano 6, Osimhen 7, Kvaratskhelia 6. Subs: Olivera 6, Lindstrom 6, Raspadori 6, Ngonge n/a.

15’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 1-0 Napoli: (Lopez). Lopez finds the first-time finish to fire low past Alex Meret after Raphinha had cut a delightful ball back from the byline - (Barcelona lead 2-1 on agg).

17’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 2-0 Napoli: (Cancelo). A lightning break ends with Cancelo gobbling up a rebound after Raphinha's shot came crashing back off the far post. - (Barcelona lead 3-1 on agg).

30’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 2-1 Napoli: (Rrahmani). A slick move down the right ends with Amir Rrahmani arriving on cue to slot a superb first-time shot into the far corner. Napoli are back in business! - (Barcelona lead 3-2 on agg).

80’ – NAPOLI CHANCE! Jesper Lindstrøm flashes a free header wide from a devilish left-wing cross.

83’ – GOAL! – Barcelona 3-1 Napoli: (Lewandowski). The big Pole delivers what should be a knockout blow as he taps home following wonderful work from Sergi Roberto and Gundogan - (Barcelona lead 4-2 on agg).

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