FC Barcelona is set to take on Napoli in the Champions League last 16 first leg clash on Wednesday. Head coach Xavi Hernandez has expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure a victory in the upcoming match.
Xavi has indicated that there will be no major changes to the lineup as Barcelona prepares to face Napoli. Despite the common strategy of aiming for a draw in away matches, Xavi has emphasized that Barcelona's objective is always to win.
Both teams, FC Barcelona and Napoli, are reigning champions of their respective leagues. Napoli, however, has recently undergone a managerial change and currently sits in ninth place in the Italian league standings.
Despite the differences in stability between the two teams, Xavi has refused to label Barcelona as the clear favorites in the upcoming tie. He believes that the match will be evenly contested, with both teams having to earn their advantage on the pitch.
For the match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Barcelona's lineup will feature Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the captain in goal, supported by a defensive line of Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, and Jules Kounde. In midfield, Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jong will form a double pivot, with Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri providing additional support. Up front, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski will lead the attacking line, with options like Joao Felix, Raphinha, and Vitor Roque available off the bench.
As the match approaches, the anticipation is high for an exciting and closely contested encounter between FC Barcelona and Napoli in the Champions League.
