“Disappointing”: Piotr Zielinski scores the early goal for Napoli; seconds after Ferran Torres’ shocking miss for FC Barcelona


“Disappointing”: Piotr Zielinski scores the early goal for Napoli; seconds after Ferran Torres’ shocking miss for FC Barcelona

Back into the Europa League for the first time in 18 years, FC Barcelona have not had the best of starts to their new European campaign and fins themselves 1-0 down courtesy of a Piotr Zielinski goal. Napoli have been the better team for much of the first half and deservedly scored the first goal of the match.

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Things have not changed for Xavi-led Barcelona as their attacking play lacked the usual zip and neither of the front players could link up properly. Coincidentally it is only the first time that Ferran Torres, Aubameyang and Adama Traore have started for the Blaugranas after signing for the club in the recent window transfer window.

Piotr Zielinski thundered his shot into the roof of the net; Torres equalized for Barcelona from the penalty spot

The telling moment of the match in the first half came in the 29th minute of the game, Piotr Zielinski scoring from his second attempt after Napoli set up a quick attack. FC Barcelona were about to score themselves when Ferran Torres found himself 1v1 with Meret in the Napoli box but fluffed his shot terribly wide to almost take the sting out of the sails of his side.

Ferran Torres misses huge chance
Ferran Torres misses a huge chance

Napoli pounced on it, and Zielinski made no mistake in scoring from close range after Ter Stegen blocked his initial shot on goal. However, the Blaugrana have come made a comeback into the game courtesy of a penalty given away by Napoli in the second half.

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The video assistant referee overruled a decision on the field, to award them a penalty after Juan Jesus was adjudged to have handled the ball. Ferran Torres made up for his earlier misses to score the resultant penalty and the match is poised for an intense finish at the Camp Nou, with both teams looking to secure a lead for the second leg.

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