Champions League: Napoli v Barça reunion, Arsenal take on Porto

The Champions League continues. In the round of 16, Arsenal travel to face FC Porto and Napoli host FC Barcelona. Both games are on Wednesday 21 February (20:00).

FC Porto v Arsenal: a clash of outsiders

Meanwhile, FC Porto, second in their group behind FC Barcelona, face the Gunners in this round of 16 first leg of the Champions League. The Portuguese side, regulars in the competition (2-time winners), are well off the pace in the league. The Dragons are 3rd, 7 points behind Benfica and Sporting. Sporting also have a game in hand. Porto's momentum was slowed by the draw against Rio Ave (0-0) and the defeat to Arouca (3-2). They did bounce back in their last match, however, taking the 3 points against Estrela Amadora (2-0).

At the other end of the spectrum, Arsenal are in top form. Qualified for the Champions League round of 16 for the first time since the 2016-2017 season, the London club are enjoying their best spell. The Gunners are on 5 straight wins with more than convincing performances. In those 5 victories, they have scored 21 goals and conceded only two. Their attacking sharpness has returned at just the right time. Third in the Premier League, they are only two points behind the leaders, Liverpool.

Arsenal are about to face one of Europe's big names, and Mikel Arteta is well aware of it. "It's a very difficult opponent we are going to face, but at the same time we are very excited. It's been seven years since we came here (in the round of 16). We are all full of energy and excited to play the game we want," the Spanish coach said at a press conference on Tuesday 20 February.

Read more on the same subject: Champions League: Arnautovic punishes Atletico, no winner between PSV and Dortmund

Napoli v FC Barcelona: a clash of wounded beasts

It is the second game on Wednesday 21 February. Napoli host FC Barcelona. The Neapolitans are going through a rather difficult spell. The reigning Italian champions, Victor Osimhen and co. are 9th in the league. They have also taken only one point from their last two matches. On top of that, Napoli have just parted company with their coach. Walter Mazzarri was sacked on Monday 19 February. "Walter Mazzarri is a friend of the De Laurentiis family and of Napoli. It's a painful farewell, because he made himself very available at a time of great difficulty. We will now try with (Francesco) Calzona, who worked with Sarri and Spalletti (as an assistant, editor's note) and who knows 80% of the squad," said the club president, Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona have not yet changed coach but are also in a difficult situation. The Catalans (3rd) have been left well behind in the league by Real Madrid (1st). They are 8 points adrift of their eternal rivals. The Barcelona side have also been knocked out of the Copa del Rey after their quarter-final defeat to Athlitic Bilbao (4-2).

They must now focus their efforts on the Champions League. That is far from a given, especially as they are not showing much composure. Barça have won three of their last 6 matches. Those were very hard-fought victories. Against Napoli, another wounded beast, they will have to produce their best performance to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

All set for a big #UCL night! 👊 pic.twitter.com/OWVQ2mNDnl

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 21, 2024