Xavi Hernandez insists Barcelona ‘deserved it more’ than Napoli after reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and believes they can ‘compete.’
With no away goals rule in UEFA tournaments now, it was winner takes all at the Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic.
“I think we deserved it more than Napoli, we did better in attack, defence and of course scored more goals,” Xavi told Sport Mediaset.
It seemed to be all going their way when Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo pounced on defensive errors to go 2-0 up in quick succession, but Amir Rrahmani got them back into the tie.
Jesper Lindstrom gave the hosts a huge scare by turning a free header wide and Victor Osimhen probably should’ve had a penalty when Pau Cubarsi trod on his foot, but Robert Lewandowski tapped in to seal the 3-1 result on the night, 4-2 on aggregate.
“Napoli are a quality team who move the ball around well and had some good scoring opportunities. We had deserved more at the Stadio Maradona too, as we dominated there.”
It is progress for Barcelona, who had not made it into the Champions League quarter-finals for four years, always crumbling at the Round of 16 phase.
“We are in the eight top teams in Europe and that is great for Barcelona and all the Barcelona fans.”
Xavi took a risk amid an injury crisis by starting teenagers Lamine Yamal and Cubarsi, but the defender was named Man of the Match.
If Inter eliminate Atletico Madrid tomorrow evening after a 1-0 first leg lead, then Barcelona will qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup.
“It is important to think about ourselves and not the others. I think we can compete in the quarter-finals, I am really pleased with the team and proud of the lads.”