Everything is still possible after the first leg of Wednesday's games in the round of 16 of the Champions League as Napoli drew 1-1 at the Stadio Maradona in Naples against FC Barcelona, while Arsenal conceded late and lost at Porto 1-0 thanks a stunning goal scored by Galeno.
The debut of new Napoli coach Francesco Calzona didn't start so well as Barcelona dominated the first half and the Azzurri failed to have a single shot in the first half for the first time this season in all competitions, but things didn't get better in the second half as Polish striker Robert Lewandowski scored the opening goal of the night in Naples.
However, Napoli started to keep more of the ball and found the equalizer with Victor Osimhen, who came back on Wednesday for the first time since his return from the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Napoli pushed for the winner but couldn't get it, finishing the game having converted their only shot on goal.
For sure there is a lot of work to do for new coach Calzona, since Napoli only had one shot on target in the whole game and Osimhen touched the ball only nine times. At the same time, the fact that Napoli did not lose it's definitely a good news looking ahead at the second leg. Everything will be decided in Barcelona on March 12 in the second leg.
In Portugal, Arsenal conceded a late goal to Porto, who scored in the last minute of action and the Gunners need to win at the Emirates after a disappointing match in Oporto. Take a look at the stunning goal scored by Galeno, who also missed a big chance in the first half but then was able to decide the first leg in this way:
Champions League scores
- Napoli 1, Barcelona 1
- Porto 1, Arsenal 0