It took some time to get used to the idea butBarcelona have officiallyplayed in the UEFA Europa League for the first time in more than a decade (and for the first time since it was renamed). Their campaign began against Napoli, a team they have faced in the Champions League just two years ago.
Even though Xavi Hernandez‘s men headed into this match in high spirits as they started to get results in La Liga, the visitors put themselves in front in the first halfthrough Piotr Zielinski.
Barca struggled to turn things around but the handball rule gave them a lifeline in the second half. After VAR review, referee Istvan Kovacs determined that Adama Traore‘s cross hit Juan Jesus’ hand inside the box and Ferran Torres netted the spot-kick. Unsurprisingly, fans were all over the Internet for what they’ve considered a controversial call.
Funniest memes and reactions to Barcelona-Napoli draw, controversial penalty
This was not the result Barcelona were expecting to get at home but given that they were trailing until the penalty, it is not that unsatisfying either. Barca and Napoli will meet on Thursday, February 24, at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in the return leg. Check out the best memes and reactions from the first leg.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
