Barcelona beat Napoli 3-1 to clinch a quarter-final berth in the Champions League for the first time in nearly half a decade. That win wouldn't have been possible without some key protagonists on the pitch.
Xavi has unearthed another gem from La Masia in Pau Cubarsi. The Spanish defender bossed the game in defence, shackled the much talked about Victor Osimhen and was duly named Man of the Match.
But Cubarsi's brilliance in defence shouldn't overshadow how good the other players in Barca's back four played on the night. Jules Kounde locked up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down that right-wing and played arguably his best defensive game of the season.
Joao Cancelo was ever so brilliant in on the left. Besides his goal he kept Napoli's right-winger Politano quiet, forcing the Italian to be subbed off early.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo Araujo had to bleed for the team as he delivered yet another defensive masterclass.
In midfield, Fermin Lopez scored a superb goal as he replaced the injured Pedri. The youngster's positioning and energy gave Barca a massive lift in the first half. As for Gundogan, Xavi hailed him as one of the best in the world after the game.
What more can be said of Lamine Yamal. The youngster had a goal disallowed and caused Napoli's defence all kinds of problems.
Every Barca player deserves credit for the win but here's a lineup that highlights the best performers on the night.
Xavi also deserves some praise for his substation. Sergi Roberto came off the bench to assist the third goal for Lewandowski. Romeu also helped reclaim the midfield for Barca after Fermin got tired.
