Europa League: Frustrating night for Osimhen as Barcelona knock out Napoli

The 23-year-old endured another disappointing night as the Neapolitans crashed out of Europe’s second-tier competition 

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen cut a frustrated figure as Napoli’s Europa League journey ended on Thursday night following a 4-2 loss to Barcelona in the second leg of their Round of 16 clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The match was evenly poised after both sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Camp Nou Stadium last week.

Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti named a strong lineup with Osimhen leading the line. The home side started on the front foot, but it was Barcelona that took the lead through Jordi Alba.

The Spanish fullback slotted past Alex Meret in the eighth minute after being played through by Adama Traore, who did well to hold off two defenders following a Barcelona break from Napoli’s corner.

Xavi Hernandez’s men doubled their advantage five minutes later through Frenkie De Jong, who fired in a brilliant curler from outside the box.

However, just as it looked like Barcelona were going to run away with it, Napoli got back into the game through Lorenzo Insigne’s penalty after Osimhen was tripped inside the box by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

It turned out to be Osimhen’s only meaningful contribution in the entire game. The Nigerian international managed just one shot off target and made one key pass, while he also had a disappointing 44% pass accuracy.

Osimhen’s performance is a reflection of Napoli as a team on the night, and it was not a surprise when the game was wrapped in the 45th minute as Pique made it 3-1 with a brilliant finish.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang extended Barca’s lead after the break with another sumptuous strike. Although Matteo Politano pulled one back three minutes from time, the damage had already been done, with Barca running out 4-2 winners.