How the Man City defender The performance of Joao Cancelo in Barcelona’s Champions League victory over Napoli
After defeating Napoli over two legs, Barcelona advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals; Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo had a strong showing.
After defeating the Italian powerhouses 4-2 on aggregate, the Spanish titans have advanced to the round of eight for the first time in three years.
A few weeks ago in Naples, Barca and Napoli drew 1-1, setting up an exciting second leg at the Estadi OlÃmpic LluÃs Companys Stadium.
When the two clubs were paired together, many supporters picked Napoli to eliminate Barca, but Barca advanced to the quarterfinals.
And Joao Cancelo was one of the men who helped Barca win 3-1 last night.
As Barcelona’s Joao Cancelo advances to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, he faces Manchester City.
Last night, Cancelo started for Barcelona at left back while Jules Kounde played on the right side.
The Portugal international is familiar with the role because Pep Guardiola has frequently used it during his time at the Etihad. This season, Xav has also played him there multiple times.
Cancelo did in fact score a goal for himself last night.
Fermin Lopez gave Barca the lead, and a few minutes later, City full-back Cancelo increased the lead held by the Spanish powerhouses.
Raphinha was fed down the left side by Yamine Lamal, who drove forward. The Brazilian smashed into the post with a powerful drive.
Cancelo checked in again and found that he had quite a bit to do. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure and executed a wonderful side-footed finish.
Amir Rrahmani gave Napoli a late second-half goal to bring one back, but Robert Lewandowski’s strike sealed Barcelona’s triumph.
Overall, Cancelo’s outing was enjoyable. He “did his job defensively, too,” according to Goal, and he was “dangerous on the left wing, even if he did overplay on a few occasions.” They rated his performance a 7 out of 10.
Manchester City could play Cancelo.
Cancelo had a respectable performance; he is still developing as an offensive full-back.
The 29-year-old, who is willing to make the switch to Barca permanent, may now play his parent team in the quarterfinals.
If the teams are paired together in the upcoming round, Cancelo, a £250,000-a-week player whom Barca are “increasingly confident” of signing, will be able to play against City because there are no legal restrictions on loan players playing their parent clubs in European championships.
Naturally, City and Bayern Munich met in the quarterfinals of the previous season, and Cancelo had been loaned to the German powerhouse in January 2023. He started the second leg after substituting in the first.
It seems as though he would be eager to play his former team again.
