Champions League Preview: Napoli vs Barcelona Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Feb 21)
- Napoli finished behind Real Madrid in the opening round of the Champions League
- FC Barcelona will have home field advantage for the crucial second leg
One of the standout ties in the round of 16 of the Champions League will take place in Naples this week, as Napoli host Barcelona. It has been a testing period for the Italian champions, but could they land a famous win this week?
How To Watch
- When: Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m ET
- Where: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy
- How To Watch: CBS
Odds
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Napoli | |
| Draw | |
| Barcelona |
Match Preview
The action in the round of 16 stage of the Champions League continues on Wednesday with an eye-catching clash between the reigning champions of Italy and Spain. Napoli will be the outsiders to progress in this tie, as they have never previously won a European clash with Barcelona in four previous attempts. The last clash between the sides in the round of 16 ended in a 4-2 aggregate success for Barcelona in 2019-20.
However, Barcelona have struggled against Italian rivals in recent seasons, having gone three without a win. Meanwhile, they have lost twice over that period, which is as many defeats as they had suffered in their prior 19 matches. Furthermore, Barcelona have recorded just a single win in their last ten away matches in the knockout round of the Champions League.
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It has been a poor campaign for Napoli, as their grip on the Serie A title has already gone. The Italian side conceded four goals in their last clash with Barcelona in the Europa League in 2022. That was the most goals that an Italian side has allowed in a European away tie. They have also landed just two draws in four previous clashes against the Spanish giants.
However, Napoli will take confidence from their Champions League record under Walter Mazzarri. They are unbeaten in their last five home matches under their boss, winning each of their last three.
Napoli vs Barcelona Prediction
This should be a very tight clash between these sides, with neither likely to give too much away in this first leg. Therefore, an interesting betting selection this week could be the draw in Naples.
Free Pick:
