This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
Published on August 8, 2020, Barcelona's season has been marred by disappointment, with the team struggling to live up to expectations in La Liga. Despite their impressive record in the Champions League, they face a daunting task against Napoli in the last 16, second leg.
With an away goal from the 1-1 draw in Italy in February, Barcelona would normally feel confident against a side that finished seventh in Serie A. However, their recent form has left them as outsiders, behind Bayern, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid.
"The fans are running out of patience because we're not giving them anything," said Lionel Messi, highlighting the team's struggles. "If we want to fight for the Champions League, a lot has to change because like this, we will lose to Napoli as well."
Barcelona's players have spoken about crumbling under pressure, a weakness that has been exposed all too many times since. They will need to overcome this psychological fragility to succeed in the Champions League.
