Result: Napoli 1-1 FC Barcelona
Date: 25 February
Venue: Stadio San Paolo
FC Barcelona are in control of their UEFA Champions League last 16 after Antoine Griezmann bagged a vital away goal in their 1-1 draw with Napoli on Tuesday night.
Samuel Umtiti replaced Clement Lenglet at the back and Frenki De Jong slotted in midfield in place of Arthur Melo, as the Catalans made two changes from their win over Eibar this past weekend.
Lionel Messi, who got a first half hat-trick in the annihilation of Eibar, should've put the Spaniards ahead after ten minutes but fired over the top after combining with De Jong.
Napoli broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark with their first meaningful attempt at goal after Piotr Zielinski beat Junior Firpo to possession before laying a cut back to Dries Mertens for a sublime finish.
The strike brought the Belgian level on goals with the club's all-time top goal-scorer Marek Hamsik, whilst Kostas Manolas threatened a second after his first-time strike towards halftime went wide.
Napoli, along with the visitors remained unchanged for the second period, which soon changed as the hosts removed Mertens for Arkadiusz Milik in the 54th minute, while Ivan Rakitic replaced Arthur.
The Catalan giants were level inside three minutes after Griezmann powered home Nelson Semedo's low cross from close-range to secure a vital away goal in the tie.
The home side did not sit back as Lorenzo Insigne went close to restoring his side's lead on 61 minutes, but his low effort was successfully parried by Marc Ter Stegen.
With 14 minutes remaining in the contest, Umtiti should have given the LaLiga outfit the lead, but the 2018 World Cup winner headed Messi's delivery wide of goal.
The night did end on a sour note for the Catalan giants, who finished with a man down after Arturo Vdial got a second yellow for a strong challenge on Rui following the 89th minute while Gerard Pique picked up injury in time added on.
Barcelona though managed to see out the remaining few minutes for a vital away-goal, with the return-leg in three weeks time.
The Catalan giants will also take to the second leg without Vidal as well as Sergio Busquets, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament.
