Timetable | 20:00 GMT 12 Mar 24 |
Prediction | Barcelona To Win! |
Odds | 1.77 |
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Victor Osimhen scored for Napoli in his first appearance since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations to help his side to a 1-1 draw against FC Barcelona in the first leg of their UCL last 16 tie at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. After a goalless first half where the Neapolitans failed to register a shot on target, Lewandowski broke the deadlock at the hour mark. However, the Blaugrana couldn’t build on their lead, with Napoli scoring with their only shot on target. That was a summary of the action that unfolded in the first half but mind you there’s still a lot to fight for. Will Barcelona emerge on top or will the reigning Italian champions administer a sucker punch? Join me as I unravel some of the insights and odds, while providing tips about who will win!
🏆 Barcelona vs Napoli UCL Prediction
When examining the head-to-head record between FC Barcelona and Napoli, we find that out of their 5 encounters, FC Barcelona has emerged victorious twice. At the same time, Napoli has yet to secure a win. The remaining 3 matches concluded in draws. Despite Barcelona's apparent dominance in these matchups, a pattern emerges upon closer scrutiny: the first-leg fixtures invariably conclude with a 1-1 stalemate, whereas the second legs witness Barcelona triumphing with a two-goal advantage, as evidenced by the 4-2 victory in the 21/22 UEFA Europa League season and the 3-1 win in the 19/20 UEFA Champions League season.
However, Barcelona's recent form against Italian teams in the UEFA Champions League paints a less favourable picture, with the team failing to win in their last three encounters (1 Draw, 2 Losses). This is as many defeats as they had experienced in their preceding 19 matches against Italian opposition (11 Wins, 6 Draws).
The current performance of both teams offers little reassurance to their respective supporters, as neither side has displayed particularly convincing form. Barcelona's European campaign has been inconsistent, with only 2 wins in their last five matches. Their most recent victory was a narrow 2-1 win against Porto in November 2023. Napoli, while not dazzling, has fared slightly better, securing 2 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 outings.
Despite these statistics, the upcoming clash promises to be an exhilarating affair. Both teams have demonstrated offensive prowess, averaging 2.0 and 2.2 goals per game respectively in their last 5 matches. Therefore, while Barcelona is expected to mount a formidable challenge on their home turf, Napoli's recent edge in form might tip the scales in what could be a goal-laden showdown.
My Prediction: 🏆 Barcelona 3 – 1 Napoli ⚽
💯 Barcelona vs Napoli UCL Match Odds
We are a couple of days away from this round of 16 tie. Dive into a comprehensive selection of betting options for the Barcelona vs Napoli match, encompassing everything from the outcome to the likelihood of both teams finding the net, and even predictions on the total goals tally. For an in-depth analysis of the odds within these markets, don't miss out on my detailed betting guide. Equally don't forget to check out our bookmaker reviews to make the best possible decision when wagering.
🏅 Barcelona vs Napoli: Match Winner
It's safe to say the most popular betting market is easily the match-winner market as seen at most UCL bookmakers and all new UK betting sites. Since the first leg ended in a stalemate, everything is still to be played so whoever wins the game will qualify after 90 minutes, extra time or an eventual penalty shootout session. Let's explore some of the available odds.
Team | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barcelona to Win | 1.77 | 1.78 | 1.76 | 1.82 | 1.74 |
Napoli to Win | 3.80 | 3.95 | 4.00 | 4.20 | 4.35 |
Draw | 3.45 | 3.65 | 3.65 | 3.75 | 3.66 |
⚽ Barcelona vs Napoli: Both Teams To Score (BTTS)
This season, both Barcelona and Napoli have displayed remarkable scoring prowess. Napoli has found the back of the net in every UEFA Champions League match, while Barcelona's only lapse was a 1-0 loss to Shakhtar. However, their defensive records tell a different story, with each team conceding 5 goals in their last five matches across all competitions. For bettors, this trend suggests a golden opportunity to explore the 'Both Teams to Score' (BTTS) markets, anticipating a game where offensive strengths are likely to shine despite defensive vulnerabilities. Bear in mind that historically BTTS has happened at each of the 7 encounters between them.
Yes/No | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | 1.615 | 1.60 | 1.60 | 1.66 | 1.65 |
No | 2.15 | 2.15 | 2.15 | 2.12 | 2.02 |
🥅 Barcelona vs Napoli: Over/Under 2.5 Goals
As a continuation to BTTS markets, the over/under market focuses on goals too. Now we’ve discussed that the two sides pack firepower. A closer look at the attacking line-ups reveals a wealth of talent capable of breaching defences. Barcelona’s formidable trio—Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Joao Felix—bring a level of finesse that poses a significant threat to any backline. Napoli counters with their ace, Victor Osimhen, who, alongside the skilled Kvaratskhelia and Politano, forms a trident of attacking prowess. Historical data from previous Barcelona-Napoli encounters supports this offensive narrative, with an average of 3.2 goals per match—a statistic that speaks volumes about the anticipated intensity and goal-scoring opportunities in their upcoming fixture.
Under/Over | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Over 2.5 Goals | 1.73 | 1.68 | 1.68 | 1.71 | 3.15 |
Under 2.5 Goals | 2.10 | 2.02 | 2.02 | 2.05 | 1.25 |
✔️ Barcelona vs Napoli - Betting Tips
Leveraging sportsbook promotions and free bets for the Barcelona vs Napoli match can be an excellent strategy. However, navigating the myriad betting markets can be overwhelming. To guide you through this complex landscape, here are some expert betting tips to help you make informed decisions for this eagerly awaited encounter.
- Backing Barcelona to Win and Both Sides to Score: Barcelona’s odds of securing a victory over Napoli stand at an intriguing 1.77, suggesting a moderate level of confidence from the bookmakers. Yet, there’s potential for these odds to be more generous. Considering Napoli’s formidable track record and the impressive attacking capabilities of both teams, a combined bet could be the way to go. By backing Barcelona to win with the added condition of both teams scoring, you can tap into more lucrative odds at a price of 3.20 with 10Bet. This approach offers a higher reward but also comes with increased risk, making it an enticing option for the strategic bettor. You could try it by using 10Bet’s Bet Builder.
- Back There to be Over 3.5 Goals Scored: Very few bettors dare go for the over 3.5 goals for total betting. While this can be considered a safe reflection, it is important to note that encounters between Barca and Napoli have yielded an average of 3.20 goals per game. The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season has been particularly prolific, with Barcelona and Napoli's seven games matches generating 20 and 22 goals respectively. These figures suggest an average exceeding 3.14 and 2.86 goals per game, hinting at the possibility of a goal-fest at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. For those seeking to capitalize on this trend, consider the over 3.5 goals market, at a price of 2.05 with 10Bet, presenting an interesting opportunity.
- Back Robert Lewandowski to Score First: In their recent standoff at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Barcelona showcased a fierce and relentless style, launching an impressive 12 shots, half of which were on target. As they prepare to face their opponents again, it’s anticipated that they will harness this same vigour, especially with the support of the passionate Catalan fans spurring them on. The aim is clear: to rectify past errors and capitalize on scoring opportunities, potentially leading to an early breakthrough by the formidable Robert Lewandowski. For those looking to wager, odds are in favour of Lewandowski to open the scoreline, at a highly competitive price of 3.50 with LeoVegas.
1️⃣ Barcelona Update
As previously mentioned, Barcelona is currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. While they may not be considered strong title contenders, their recent performance has narrowed the point gap to Girona to just one. However, they remain eight points behind the top spot. The upcoming Champions League matches may serve as a catalyst to reignite the competitive spirit within Xavi's team. Additionally, with Xavi's impending departure at the end of the season, the outcome of this fixture could carry significant weight.
Last 5 Games | |
---|---|
Athletic Bilbao 0 Barcelona 0 | 03.03.24 La Liga |
Barcelona 4 Getafe 0 | 24.02.24 La Liga |
Napoli 1 Barcelona 1 | 21.02.24 UEFA Champions League |
Celta Vigo 1 Barcelona 2 | 17.02.24 La Liga |
Barcelona3 Granada 3 | 11.02.24 La Liga |
One thing is for certain, we will probably never get to witness Barca unleash its full potential due to the injury plague that has been crippling the team all season. The likes of Gavi, Marcos Alonso, Alejandro Balde, Ferran Torres, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are all expected to be sidelined for the upcoming UCL showdown.
Player | Reason |
---|---|
Gavi | ACL Injury |
Marcos Alonso | Back injury |
Alejandro Balde | Ruptured tendon |
Ferran Torres | Hamstring Injury |
Pedri | Hamstring Injury |
Frenkie de Jong | Ankle injury |
2️⃣ Napoli Update
On the other hand, defending Serie A champions Napoli currently sit in seventh position. However, under the new head coach Francesco Calzona, the team has shown significant improvement. Their recent performances are evidence of this transformation, as they secured a remarkable 6-1 victory against Sassuolo and a hard-fought 2-1 win against current league runners-up Juventus. This positive momentum could potentially work in Napoli's favour as they seek their first-ever victory against the Blaugrana.
Last 5 Games | |
---|---|
Napoli 2 Juventus 1 | 03.03.24 Serie A |
Sassuolo 1 Napoli 6 | 28.02.24 Serie A |
Cagliari 1 Napoli 1 | 25.02.24 Serie A |
Napoli 1 Barcelona 1 | 21.02.24 UEFA Champions League |
Napoli 1 Genoa1 | 17.02.24 Serie A |
Napoli will virtually be at full strength when they go to challenge the Catalans in Europe’s premier club competition. Only two players have been sidelined, Jens Cajuste for a hamstring problem and veteran CB Amir Rrhamani who has been suffering from adductor pains since the Juventus encounter. A potential return date hasn’t been announced yet. Safe to say he won’t make it back in time for the UCL game.
Player | Reason |
---|---|
Jens Cajuste | Hamstring injury |
Amir Rrhamani | Adductor pains |
👕 Barcelona vs Napoli - Potential Lineups
Pos. | Barcelona 4-3-3 | Napoli 4-3-3 | Pos. |
---|---|---|---|
Goalkeeper | ter Stergen | A. Meret | Goalkeeper |
Right Back | Joao Cancelo | M. Olivera | Right Back |
Centre Back | Inigo Martinez | Juan Jesus | Centre Back |
Centre Back | Ronald Araujo | Leo Ostigard | Centre Back |
Left Back | Jules Kounde | Di Lorenzo | Left Back |
Midfielder | I. Gundogan | Piotr Zielinski | Midfielder |
Midfielder | A. Christensen | S. Lobotka | Midfielder |
Midfielder | Fermin Lopez | Zambo Anguissa | Midfielder |
Wide Forward | Joao Felix | K. Kvaratskhelia | Wide Forward |
Striker | R. Lewandowski | V. Osimhen | Striker |
Wide Forward | Raphinha | Politano | Wide Forward |
✒️ Yato Katte – Expert Tipster
Yato is a seasoned sports writer and tipster deeply immersed in football, basketball, and mixed martial arts. He reveres Messi as the ultimate athlete and bleeds Chelsea blue as a devoted supporter. With numerous published articles and predictions, Yato aims to carve a prominent niche in the iGaming industry, offering insightful betting strategies.