Barcelona vs Napoli Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 04/08/2020, 09:02  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 04/08/2020 at 14:32 in Champions League Predictions

Not since 2015 have Barcelona won the Champions League. They face a tough game in the last sixteen against Napoli, with the first leg in Italy drawn 1-1. The Spaniards have already lost their La Liga title and will be desperate to win this competition. After winning their group, the first leg saw them go behind in the first half before levelling the scores in the 57th minute. That away goal could prove very valuable in the second leg. Barcelona certainly have their work cut out if they are to even reach the Champions League final this season. The winners of this tie face either Bayern Munich or Chelsea, almost certain to be the Germans who won their away leg 3-0. The last four could see Barca have to take on Manchester City, Real Madrid or Juventus.  They ended the La Liga season with just one loss in their last 12 league games. The only defeat was at home to Osasuna in the dying days of the La Liga season. Home form is as strong as ever though with 16 wins out of 19 in La Liga this season and no home losses in the Champions League since 2013. The usual glut of goals hasn't been forthcoming in the Champions League this season. Only 10 have been scored in seven games and Lionel Messi has just two.

Napoli made a poor start to their Serie A season but recovered to win the Italian Cup and finish seventh in the table. After a couple of seasons finishing second behind Juventus. Napoli were 16 points behind the Champions League places this season. A form guide for the last 15 league games had them third and earning three points more than champions Juventus. They ended the season with two losses in their last four league games, both away from home. Their away form is often their undoing, particularly in European football. They have only won one of their last nine away games in the Champions League. The last six have produced one win (at Red Bull Salzburg), four draws and a defeat by Liverpool. They would have loved to get a lead in the first leg but conceded that second-half goal. Go for Barcelona to get the win here.