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Barcelona manager Xavi feels the 4-2 victory away to Napoli is a significant confidence-booster going forward in the Europa League and their domestic campaign, but ‘we must remain humble.’
The first leg ended 1-1 at Camp Nou, leaving the play-off wide open, but the Blaugrana pounced on defensive errors to go 2-0 up within 13 minutes at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
They eventually won 4-2 on the night, 5-3 on aggregate, to reach the Round of 16.
Europa League | Napoli 2-4 Barcelona (3-5 agg): Barca simply too strong
“We are improving our performances and must make the most of the spaces that open up,” said Xavi in his press conference.
“This is the tactical model we want to follow, it’s what we were looking for and we achieved it. The players and fans deserved this victory, we are satisfied, but have to remain humble.
“This is a victory that gives us confidence. We dominated for 90 minutes, and that is the first time we’ve really done that since I’ve been here.
“We were up against a Napoli side who usually don’t concede many goals, who are more suited to the Champions League and are candidates to win the Scudetto.
“It’s only natural that expectations are high, because we are Barcelona, but we must also remember we’ve won nothing yet. We’re in the Round of 16, we want to win, but have to stay humble.
“I am happy when my players enjoy their football and entertain the fans too.”
What a finish by Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang
That’s why Barca signed him, what a performance by Xavi’s side in Naples!#UEL pic.twitter.com/f7IF57boTm
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 24, 2022
