Only caught the last 10 for the Napoli-Barca first half, but looks like everything is coming up Mertens so far. His goal was very pretty. And Messi is coming way deep to find the ball - there’s been very little build up or threat from Barca. They’ve got to try something different in the second half.
Firpo was unlucky on the goal to have the ricochet fall right to the Napoli player. I think there's a small gripe with Semedo for doubling Pique's man leaving his open, but that's a bang bang play and the danger is coming from the striker.
Napoli were setup in an incredibly low block with 10 behind the ball for the majority of the first half. Barca weren't able to create many chances but that's how playing against a low block works. The only real major complaint I have is the MF defensive system. Vidal and Griez are both involved in all the pressing, and because of Messi they have to work their asses off--sometimes leading the press and at other times supporting the other player. WRT the MF, at various times Busi is pushing up and helping the press, and at other times it's Raki, even less often it's FDJ. But what seems obvious is that defensively speaking it's mostly positionless between the 3 of them, and that's a huge mistake. FDJ is young and has legs/lungs for days. Raki may not have the superhuman stamina he once had, but he's still fit, especially if he knows he's not going the full 90. But you know who's slow and not that good in a press anyway?? Busi!! I'd look for Barca to make more changes to their press than the attack, and ultimately bring on Fati, Arthur, or Puig to push on for the away goal after an hour.
