Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has urged his team to use their upcoming Champions League Round of 16 clash against Napoli as a platform to “prove we have the quality to compete at this level.”
The first leg kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Tuesday, February 21st, with the return leg at Camp Nou scheduled for March 12th. This year, away goals no longer count in UEFA competitions.
“We are very happy to be back in the Champions League Round of 16 after two years,” Xavi told Sky Sport Italia. “We have high expectations and ambitions to reach the quarter-final.”
The iconic stadium holds special significance for both clubs, bearing the name of Diego Maradona who played for both Barcelona and Napoli.
“We know it will be a difficult match,” Xavi acknowledged. “At this level, you expect nothing less in the Champions League.”
The fixture also marks the debut of Francesco Calzona as Napoli’s third coach of the season after the dismissals of Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri. Despite their recent struggles, Xavi remains wary of their potential.
“Napoli are not in their best form, but they remain a great team,” he insisted.
While Napoli’s form has been inconsistent, Barcelona has also faced its share of challenges this season. With Xavi’s announced departure at the end of the year, he sees this match as a turning point.
“This is the ideal opportunity for us to prove that we have the quality to compete at this level,” he declared.
With both teams seeking to prove their mettle, the stage is set for an intriguing encounter in Naples.