At the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Catalunya, Barcelona hosted Napoli in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The Italian champions found themselves trailing early on after conceding twice in the space of two minutes. However, Amir Rrahmani restored hope with a clinical finish. The Partenopei had several chances to equalize, but Robert Lewandowski finished a slick passing move in the 83rd minute to kill off the tie. So here are our player ratings for Napoli who have been eliminated from the competition and will subsequently miss out on the 2025 Club World Cup following their 1-3 defeat to Barcelona (2-4 on aggregate).
Napoli (4-3-3)
Alex Meret – 6
The Italy international could have done little to prevent all three goals conceded. Nevertheless, he managed to make a host of routine saves to keep his side in contention for as long as possible.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 5.5
The Napoli captain wasn’t exactly woeful but all three Barcelona goals started from his side, which surely isn’t a positive indication. But at least he didn’t allow Raphinha to bypass him on too many occasions.
Amir Rrahmani – 6.5
Kudos to the former Verona defender who took his shot like the finest of strikers. Did well to keep Lewandowski at bay for most of the match, but eventually lost track of the Pole on the final goal.
Juan Jesus – 6
The Brazilian veteran showcased his experience on several occasions, but couldn’t prevent the goals from coming.
Mario Rui – 6
An industrious display from the Portuguese veteran who did his best to limit Lamine Yamal’s threat. Also produced a lovely cross that almost culminated in a headed goal from Di Lorenzo.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 5.5
The Cameroonian was happy to do the dirty work in the middle of the park but offered very little in the attacking phase.
Stanislav Lobotka – 6
The former Celta Vigo man started on a slow note and should have done better to thwart Yamal on the second goal. But his performance grew with the match and began to dictate the play.
Hamed Junior Traoré – 5.5
The Ivorian found life difficult against Fermin Lopez with the latter clearly winning the duel. Still hasn’t truly mingled within this Napoli team.
Matteo Politano – 6.5
An impactful display from the Italian winger who teed up Rrahmani with a clever ball. He also managed to cause havoc on the right flank, but Francesco Calzona decided to haul him off at the hour mark in a controversial call.
Victor Osimhen – 5.5
The Nigerian found himself embroiled in a physical duel with Ronald Araujo and found little joy in the process. He didn’t have too many clear-cut chances, but you would have expected him to do better on an early opportunity with the goal at his mercy.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 6
The Georgian had his moment of inspiration, including picking up Olivera with a cross or coming extremely close with a low drive, but for the most part, he struggled to get past Jules Koundé who had the upper hand in this head-to-head.
Substitutes
Jesper Lindstrom – 5
The Dane was wasteful in possession and squandered a glorious header to draw Napoli back on level terms.
Mathias Olivera – 6
The Uruguayan struggled to contain Yamal at the back but almost made the difference in the final third. Picked up Lindstrom with a brilliant cross and brushed the post with a goal attempt.
Giacomo Raspadori – N/A
Cyril Ngonge – N/A
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