Barca ‘face biggest game of the season’ against Napoli

Barcelona’s Champions League last-16 second leg tie at home to Napoli will be their most important game of the season, manager Xavi Hernandez said on Monday.
The first leg was 1-1 and Barca today have a chance to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2020 after failing to get past the group stage in the past two seasons.
The last time they won a Champions League knockout game was in a 3-1 home win over Napoli in 2020.
With the club third in La Liga, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, Europe is now the priority.
“The most important game of the season? Yes, it is, and we’re ready, we’re excited,” Xavi told a press conference.
“It’s been four years since we’ve been in the quarter-finals and that’s how we see it, we want to compete against an opponent who, although they are not going through the best moment, have the base of the (2023) Scudetto champion.”
Barca’s title defence looks likely to end in failure, while Napoli’s is already over, with the Serie A champions seventh in the standings and 31 points adrift of leaders Inter Milan.
Francesco Calzona took over in February, Napoli’s third manager this season, and they are undefeated in their five games since then.
“Napoli have improved with the new coach, who is more dynamic and comfortable,” Xavi said.
“I expect a brave Napoli that plays from the back and presses high, that doesn’t speculate, has a lot of individual talent, it’s a big game and it’s a great team, current champions of Italy.”
Barcelona have struggled with injuries of late, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri among those unavailable, and Xavi confirmed that forward Ferran Torres, who has missed the last seven games with a hamstring problem, is still not ready to return.
The manager hopes to have Torres back for their next league game at Atletico Madrid on Sunday but for now is not looking for any excuses despite the absentees.
“Our absences are important but we have to compete. We were better there (away to Napoli) and we have to be better here,” he said.
“It’s a chance to be in the quarter-finals, it’s a chance to turn the tables, the absences are not an excuse, we’re not afraid of failing, it’s a chance to compete in front of our fans.”
Arteta ‘amazed’ Arsenal ahead of
Liverpool, Man City in title raceArsenal manager Mikel Arteta said a thrilling contest between Liverpool and Manchester City lends even more credit to the fact his side sit top of the Premier League with 10 games to go.
The Gunners, who are aiming to win a first league title in 20 years, lead Liverpool on goal difference with third-placed City just one point behind in a thrilling title race.
Arsenal were the big winners of last weekend as they struck late to beat Brentford 2-1 for an eighth consecutive league win, while City held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
“It’s great to be top, that’s for sure – it was an amazing game of football with two magnificent teams, with so many alternatives,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference ahead of today’s Champions League clash against Porto.
“I think it’s an amazing situation that we are even involved, looking at the level that those two teams have and we are still there and we’re still at the top.
“So, the ambition raises, we want to continue to be there, and we have to go game-by-game.” Arsenal are also looking to end a long drought in Europe by reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
However, they will have to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit at the Emirates today if they are to reach the last eight.
“That’s the opportunity that we have tomorrow, in front of our people and in our stadium,” added Arteta. “For 96 minutes bring your energy, bring your noise and let’s do it together.”
The stunning form of Arteta’s men domestically contrasts sharply to their display in Portugal three weeks ago.
Arsenal failed to even manage a shot on target before going down to Galeno’s 93rd-minute winner.
But Arteta remains confident his side can turn things around in London.
“Every opponent has their strengths and weaknesses and the way that they approach the game and now we know them a bit better,” said Arteta.
“We’ll just focus on being ourselves and do more of the things that we can control better than we did a few weeks ago.”
Gabriel Martinelli missed the win over Brentford with a cut foot and is not expected to recover in time to face Porto.

Fixtures
Today: (CET/GMT) Arsenal v Porto (2000) Barcelona v Napoli (2000)
Tomorrow: (CET/GMT) Borussia Dortmund v PSV (2000) Atlético Madrid v Internazionale (2000)