
Date: Tuesday 12th March, 2024
Time: 9:00 pm
Stadium Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys
Referee Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
Goal Scorer:
Barcelona
Since February's first leg, Barcelona's injury woes have developed into something of a crisis, as Frenkie De Jong (ankle) and Pedri (hamstring) will both be absent from the hosts' starting XI on Tuesday evening.
ACL victim Gavi is already unavailable, so Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan may be joined by Fermin Lopez in a makeshift midfield; Ferran Torres, Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso are still sidelined too. Raphinha's presence is also in doubt, due to an ankle problem, but Ronald Araujo returns from suspension.
In Naples, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to appear in a Champions League knockout game, and he will now aim to be the youngest goalscorer in the competition's history. More than twice his teammate's tender age, Robert Lewandowski starts up front for the Blaugrana, having racked up 18 goal involvements from his last 12 appearances in the latter stages.
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo; Gundogan, Christensen, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
Napoli
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen's equaliser against Barca was his ninth Champions League goal, and one more would make him the most prolific Nigerian player in the competition, moving clear of Obafemi Martins. Last season's Capcannoniere should lead a front three also featuring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano.
Jens Cajuste and Cyril Ngonge may miss out with thigh injuries, while centre-back Amir Rrahmani limped off against Juventus with a similar issue and was an unused substitute on Friday night. Leo Ostigard stands ready to deputise for the latter if required.
In midfield, Piotr Zielinski must be replaced, as he was not registered for this phase of the competition after refusing to sign a new contract - the Poland international is expected to join Inter Milan this summer.
Napoli possible starting lineup:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Ostigard, Jesus, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Traore; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Napoli (Barcelona win 3-2 on aggregate)
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