A title at stake in Naples

When the knockout round of the Europa League equivalent to round of 32, the pairing between Barça and Naples he had a markedly Italian prognosis. The Barça He was left with the feeling that he had been dealt the worst possible rival. It was December 13, 2021. Two months and eleven days later, the bets have changed radically: for very little, but the victory of the Naples that of the Barça. Despite the draw at the Camp Nou, a priori very beneficial result for the visiting team, after that 1-1 Barça became favorites in the tie, due to the sensations left by one and the other.

The Barça continues with his rehabilitation process and the Europa League, although nobody in the Barcelona dressing room dares to express it openly, it is seen as a goal within reach and not as a gigantic mountain and almost impossible to climb, which is how it was seen before the Christmas holidays. Taking a look at the table of participants, the Naples is the most powerful rival on the road, along with the Sevilla and the Dortmund if he manages to overcome the surprising 2-4 of the Glasgow Rangers. There are complicated rivals, yes, but the Barça current, with its evolution and with the signings of the winter market is now as much a contender as the most to the title.

mythical stage

That is what is played Barça tonight at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, although the Neapolitan ‘tifosi’ continue to call him by his real name, San Paolo despite the veneration for Maradona, which is palpable in every corner of the city, especially since his death, just over a year ago. In the previous visit of Barça, the Argentine myth was still alive; now he is immortal for the followers of the Naples.

The point is that the Barça He has turned the sensations around in a short time and now he feels strong enough to play one of the two titles he still has in dispute: one is almost impossible, LaLiga, and the other with notable options if he beats the NaplesUEFA winner (forerunner of the current Europa League) in times of Maradona.

While the Barça arrives fresh, with confidence in the recovery phase and with a brand new line of forwards, the Napleswho this week has wasted a great opportunity to reach the leadership of Serie A, albeit provisionally, has accumulated misfortunes in the form of injuries in recent games.

Be careful, however: the Partenopeo team also feels that by winning they are taking a giant step towards the title and are almost guaranteed a place in the Champions League, something that the Barça still need to secure. Be that as it may, in dispute a title on the slopes of Vesuvius.

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