Adama Traoré’s very good match, Mario Rui’s ordeal or a disarmed Napoli: the Tops and Flops of Napoli-FC Barcelona (2-4).
Tops
Adama Traore continues to impress
He shows a completely different face since he has been at Barça, and impresses with his level in every match. This Thursday against an overwhelmed Mario Rui, Adama enjoyed himself in the left lane. Sudden acceleration, feigned body and shoulder strike, Adama Traoré did everything to him. Decisive passer on the first goal after a rush from 60 meters, then on the last goal after having caught cold Mario Rui, Adama Traoré was still unstoppable this evening.
An irresistible Barca
Like its number 11, it is the whole Barcelona collective that impressed this Thursday. In midfield, we only saw the Barcelonans, in attack, they were first effective, then very inspired after the goal of the break. Xavi’s men suffocated the Neapolitans in all areas of the game, and did not leave the slightest chance to a completely stunned Napoli team. After this very good victory against the third in Serie A, Barça sends a strong message to Europe.
Flops
Mario Rui went through an ordeal
The Portuguese will struggle to sleep on Thursday night. Manhandled throughout the meeting by a Traoré of the big nights, Mario Rui did not manage to stop the Spanish tank. The Neapolitan number 6 had so much trouble taking care of Traoré that his coach changed his position, as if to save him from the nightmare he had been living for more than 70 minutes.
Naples sank
At 2-1 after 23 minutes of play, nothing was yet decided for the Neapolitans. However, Luciano Spalletti’s men did not believe it. Overwhelmed in midfield and completely overwhelmed in defense, the Neapolitans gave up after Barcelona’s third goal just before the locker room returned. Very little inspired in attack, the Neapolitans only found the frame three times (for two goals). Like a Victor Osimhen weaned from balloons, the Neapolitans did not really put FC Barcelona in danger.
