Barcelona and Napoli look to salvage lost seasons when they meet for 90 minutes in Spain on Tuesday, with the aggregate score level after a 1-1 draw in the first leg two weeks ago.
Both clubs are caught in the middle of campaigns in which the Champions League remains the only viable route to silverware, but only one can advance while the other will be forced to finish the year with little to play for.
Napoli still have a top-four fight on their hands, but defending their Serie A title is completely out of the question as they sit seventh in the standings, 31 points off the top. Moving forward here would give interim coach Francesco Calzona a huge boost to his CV as he looks to secure the full-time role, having been named alongside his duties as head coach of the Slovakia national team following the recent sacking of Walter Mazzarri. .
Meanwhile, Barcelona will see coach Xavi leave at the end of the season as they are eight points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid and have already been eliminated from the Copa del Rey. It has been a difficult season for the Blaugrana from an optical point of view and they have been beset by a series of injuries that seem relentless as the games progress.
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Barcelona vs Napoli odds
Despite their long injury list, Barcelona are believed to be likely to advance on the power of home advantage, giving the hosts a negative odds advantage on a 90-plus minute win. 1/2 chance of advancing.
Robert Lewandowski is understandably the most likely Bacelona player to score, while Napoli’s most likely goalscorer is Victor Osimhem with odds of around 2/1.
Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction
- Lean Money Line: Naples (+330)
- Score prediction: Barcelona 0-1 Naples
Barcelona are heavy favorites in this matchup, but in truth, neither team appears to be in spectacular form, making the odds disparity a confusing prospect beyond just one team playing the second leg in home.
Napoli have the most impressive recent result, having beaten a strong Juventus 2-1 at home two weekends ago, but followed up with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Torino. Meanwhile, Barca defeated Getafe 4-0 a few weeks ago, but then played a couple of knocks in a goalless draw with Athletic and a nervy 1-0 win over Mallorca.
Given that Barcelona’s midfield is a disaster and that youngster Pau Cubarsi is in defense, it is reasonable to think that Napoli can get a result here at a good price that will advance the Italian team.
Barcelona vs Napoli match details
- Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
- Start time: 9 pm local (4 pm ET / 1 pm PT)*
- Location: Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium (Barcelona, Spain)
- Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED), VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
- Last meeting: Napoli 1-1 Barcelona (February 21, 2024 | Champions League)
* The United States has already advanced daylight saving time by one hour, but European nations do not do so until March 31, so the time difference is currently four hours for the United Kingdom and five hours for Europe, instead of the traditional five hours. six hour difference during this small window.
