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.
The fourth officials reaction every time he get questioned on a decision given in favour of Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/YxLbqaGA67
— Steve Jones (@stevejones177) February 17, 2022
Swear to god this is the only defence that could avoid getting penalties to handball nowadays #BARNAP pic.twitter.com/E1ERLuEYZw
— ����ℝ�� (@EuroExpert_) February 17, 2022
Ferran Torres penalty pic.twitter.com/faIWSUBXf9
— zak (@wexlerfan) February 17, 2022
You when Torres took the penalty pic.twitter.com/94Bgw9AEF3
— Eriksen_Fan (@ajax_prop) February 17, 2022
That.. was penalty…?? I mean. What. #EuropaLeague #BarçaNapoli pic.twitter.com/WfkFYd0xPI
— ㄹㅈ³⁹ ��⚽️�� (@39sakushy) February 17, 2022
Barca backline using their la masia privilege powers to stop Napoli counter attacks pic.twitter.com/QG9LNLDCTg
— Kevin (@BraziIianAlves) February 17, 2022
— igmmo (@zigmmo) February 17, 2022
Welcome to pic.twitter.com/Mr6BHvM6Rh
— Osmel (@osmelcon) February 17, 2022
— ☻ (@MrHemJ) February 17, 2022
Xavi’s pep talk in the dressing room. pic.twitter.com/mdBixZHtzk
— Dark Saint (@DefiledGod) February 17, 2022
VAR checking if Barcelona is a football club or a night club pic.twitter.com/fwX9eGWyTg
— 46 Cubana ⚪ (@Ofodile89) February 17, 2022
