Napoli and Barcelona share spoils in Champions League thriller

Victor Osimhen's goal cancelled out Robert Lewandowski's opener as Napoli and Barcelona played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League encounter in Naples.

The visitors started brightly, with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player to play in the Champions League knockout stage, being the most energetic.

Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret had to make crucial saves from Yamal and Lewandowski, and a well-reacted palm to deny Ilkay Gundogan's long-range effort.

Struggling in the first half, the hosts failed to register a single attempt. However, they quickly changed their fortune in the second period, with Matteo Politano heading wide within the first minute.

Meret continued his impressive performance, saving another Gundogan attempt in the 49th minute. 

Despite Barcelona's dominance, the breakthrough came in the 60th minute when Lewandowski capitalised on a clever pass from Pedri, finishing emphatically into the bottom corner.

However, the Italian champions levelled the scores in the 75th minute. Victor Osimhen came to life, turning Inigo Martinez inside the Barcelona box before firing past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The momentum shifted, putting Barcelona on the defensive, with Napoli eager for a second goal. However, the game ended in a draw, setting the stage for the second leg in Barcelona on March 12th.