Last Updated on February 19, 2024 6:36 pm by Erwin Noguera
The Champions League is the way to success for some teams that have not performed as well as expected at the local level, such is the case of Napoli and Barcelona, who will clash for a place in the quarterfinals of Europe’s top tournament.
Il Partenopei closed the group stage in good fashion with a 2-0 win over Braga, thanks to goals from Saatci (against) and Victor Osimhen.
With a substitute team, the Blaugranas ended the previous stage with a 3-2 away loss against Antwerp in Belgium.
When and Where?
Wednesday, February 21, 3:00 pm ET at the Stadio Diego Maradona
Moneyline odds:
Napoli 2.65
Barcelona 2.807
Draw Offs:
3.55
Where Can I Watch?
TUDN, Paramount+, ViX, and CBS
Why Bet on Napoli?
Napoli had high hopes this season, as last year they were Serie A champions for the first time in 30 years. However, their campaign has been a disaster, and players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, who had a few off-the-pitch issues, have not been at the same level as last year.
They were still able to qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League, closing the group stage with a 2-0 win over Braga.
The Neapolitans advanced to second place with 10 points, the result of three wins, a draw, and two defeats against Real Madrid, which achieved a perfect score (18 points).
The Italian team finished with ten goals in favor and nine against. However, the most interesting thing is that all were scored by different players. As many as eight athletes celebrated, while the other two were own goals.
That is unusual, especially since the team has Osimhen, who is one of the best strikers in the world and the reigning Golden Boot of Italian soccer.
At home, the Neapolitans scored four points.
Coach Walter Mazzarri, who replaced Rudi Garcia, was laid off from his duties earlier today in favor of Francesco Calzona, just 48 hours before the match.
Why Bet on Barcelona?
Barcelona, like Napoli, is coming from being the champion of its country’s soccer, but this year it has faltered and is not on the same level as Real Madrid and Girona, who are defining who will be the champion.
Xavi’s team did not close the group phase in the best way either, losing 3-2 to Antwerp, but they ended up leaders with 12 points, taking the lead from Porto in the confrontation.
Away from home, the Culés lost two games as Shakhtar also beat them 1-0. That is why there are many doubts about what this team can do at the European level.
In terms of scoring, the Catalans have Joao Felix and Ferran Torres as their scorers, with three each, but both are out with injuries.
However, the good news for Xavi is that Robert Lewandowski is coming out of his inconsistent form and has scored four goals in the last three games. If the Pole man can get into his stride at this point, the Spaniards can take another place among the favorites to lift the title.
One fact to keep in mind is that Barcelona has never lost to Napoli in four official games.
Marcos Alonso, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Sergi Roberto, Joao Felix, and Ferran Torres are the injured players of this team.
Final Betting Analysis: Napoli vs. Barcelona
In 2022, these teams played, and the victory on Italian soil went to Barcelona by 4-2.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Napoli as the favorite. The Moneyline for them shows 2.65, while Barcelona has 2.807, and the draw is at 3.55.
Odds tend to favor the locals a lot in the Champions League, except for a few exceptions. However, Il Partenopei is going through a very difficult process, maybe its most challenging one in the last decade, and it’s hard to picture them pulling their things together in time to face the Culés, especially with a new coach. Barcelona will prepare the ground for the quarterfinals with a 1-3 win.
Go for a win in Barça’s Moneyline. If you bet $100 at 2.807, you will gain $180.7 for a total payout of $280.7.
Napoli vs. Barcelona Betting Pick: Barcelona
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