With a victory on their home turf against Napoli, Barcelona’s footballers have taken a new step in Europe and qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time in four years. Their success against the Italian champions has left the Catalans in contention for the trophy on the international stage, and Xavi, the coach who announced his departure from the bench at the end of the season, highlighted the rise of his players over the past few weeks.UCL: It took Barca just 121 seconds to file Napoli under resolved affairs”I think we have played one of the best games of the season. It is a day for the coach to enjoy, an important day for Barcelona fans that we have to be proud of. I am very happy because we played a very complete game and because the team emptied itself and fought. We dominated in many moments and we are among the top eight in Europe four years later. Let’s enjoy” said Xavi.Eine kleine Barcelona: Three German contenders for the role of Xavi’s successorTo make things clear once again, the Catalans’ tactician reassured the media that he remains firm in his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.”I already said that after announcing my decision to say goodbye at the end of the season, the team would take a step forward and that is what it is doing. Do I always say it? People didn’t believe me and we have received criticism. Today nothing has changed, if we had lost I would already be out for you, everything is too emotional. It was said that we were the jester of the Champions League, there has been too much pressure on the players, some journalists who are from Barça have said unnecessary things. What do we do now with the Champions League jester? We are in quarters. I have told the players to calm down and they have been better in both games” said Xavi.🇪🇸 Pau Cubarsí vs Napoli:80 touches89.7% pass success1 key pass4 passes into final third9 accurate long balls3 tackles5 clearances5 ball recoveries3/3 ground duels won3/3 aerial duels won7.32 WS ratingAs #UCL debuts go… 👏 pic.twitter.com/5T58NA1CNu— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 13, 2024 The Spanish tactician used La Masia players and gave them a chance even in such a big match. It was partly due to a large number of injuries, but Xavi showed during the season that he likes to do it no matter the circumstances. Lamine Yamal is among Barca’s best players this season, Young Fermin scored the first goal, and in the heart of defense, the young Pau Cubarsí (17) was so good that he got the MVP award in the end.”He doesn’t get nervous, he is very calm, he knows how to look for the free man, he has the timing to generate attacking plays, it is a spectacle to see him” explained Xavi.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE1/8 finals – second legTuesdayBayern – Lazio 3-0 (2-0)/Kane 38, 66, Muller 45+2/Bayern win 3-1 on aggregateReal Sociedad – Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 (0-1)/Merino 89 – Mbappe 15, 56/Paris Saint-Germain win 4-1 on aggregateWednesdayReal Madrid – RB Leipzig 1-1 (0-0)/Vinicius 65 – Orban 68/Real Madrid win 2-1 on aggregateMan.City – Copenhagen 3-1 (2-1)/Akanji 5, Alvarez 9, Haaland 45+3 – Elyounoussi 29/Manchester City win 6-2 on aggregateTuesday the 12thBarcelona – Napoli 3-1 (2-1)/Lopez 15, Cancelo 17, Lewandowski 83 – Rrahmani 30/Barcelona win 4-2 on aggregateArsenal – Porto 1-0 (1-0)/Trossard 41/Arsenal win 4-2 on penaltiesWednesday the 13th23:00: (3.05) Atl.Madrid (3.30) Inter (2.55) /first leg 0-1/23:00: (2.15) Dortmund (3.50) PSV (3.30) / first leg 1-1/***odds are subject to change***
