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6 months ago
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Barcelona secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League by beating Napoli 3-1 in the second leg of their Round of 16 clash at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
It was a crucial win for Barça for it guarantees an additional €15 million in the club’s coffers while also ensuring that they still have a chance to finish the season with perhaps the biggest trophy of all.
Sergi Roberto elated with win
Captain Sergi Roberto played a part in the victory after coming on as a substitute in the second half. Not only did he provide more energy and legs in the middle, the veteran also set up the third goal scored by Robert Lewandowski.
Speaking after the match, the versatile midfielder expressed his delight at the victory saying, Barcelona were back where they deserve to be after four years of struggles in the Champions League.
“An incredible night, as you say, in the quarter-finals after four years without being where we deserve to be. Today the fans have been with us all the way, and we are very happy,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Praising the atmosphere at Montjuic, he added: “Even with the atmosphere at Camp Nou it’s different, but we need this atmosphere in every game. We started very well, then they came back with the 2-1, and with that end it was a very good few minutes for us.”
Discussing how things went for the team in comparison to the first leg in Naples which ended in a 1-1 draw, Roberto remarked:
“I think we played a great game in Naples, but we didn’t finish the game off because we didn’t score. It was a pity that the team conceded that goal, but we stayed focused until the end and we found that goal at the end. I’m happy to have been able to take part and to be with the team. It’s time to continue.”
Opening up on his assist for Lewandowski’s goal, the Barcelona captain said: “Yes, I was talking about it now, I could also have scored, I saw that Robert was alone on the penalty spot and I’m happy for this victory.”
Lewandowski highlights areas for improvement
Lewandowski was on target vs Napoli. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)Even though the atmosphere at Montjuic was one of triumph and success, goalscorer Robert Lewandowski pointed out that there are still a few areas of the game that need improvement.
“In the first half, if we had been a little more patient and played 2-3 more passes in certain attacks, we would have scored the third goal and settled the match,” he told Polsat Sport.
“We must work on improving this, it will make us stronger and able to close matches quickly.”
“We can improve as a team before the quarterfinals, and it’s important for the injured players to return, and for us to not get any new injuries,” he added.
Stating that the substitutions in the second half helped Barça, the veteran star said: “At the beginning of the second half, it was clear that there were holes among the Napoli players. The subs like Sergi Roberto were effective. He always moves with or without the ball, and presses forward.”
On his goalscoring form, Lewandowski added: “Whenever I shoot on goal, I gain confidence, even if I miss. I tell myself: ‘Okay, that’s another chance.’ I get more desire. If I don’t get the ball I get internally frustrated.”
There was also praise for Ilkay Gundogan, as Lewandowski said: “Gundogan is a player that you can play with in the dark. He’s perfectly positioned. He shows you that standing smart is better than running stupid.”
