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The reason why FC Barcelona will root for Inter Milan in the Champions League

FC Barcelona wants Inter Milan to advance to the next round in the Champions League but Barca needs to advance as well.

By Emmanuel Mendez

FC Barcelona needs Inter Milan to advance to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League.
FC Barcelona needs Inter Milan to advance to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League.
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FC Barcelona couldn't get an advantage ahead of the 2nd leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League. After dominating most of the game and taking the lead in the second half, Napoli found an equalizer from out of nowhere that could keep the score even. Now, the 2nd leg game is a must-win game for both teams, and both have a reasonable chance to advance to the quarter-finals.

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Napoli played their first game under new manager Francesco Calzona after sacking Walter Mazzarri. Napoli only had one shot on target, Victor Osihmen's goal in the 75th minute. FC Barcelona had six shots on target, and the game could've been sealed in the first half, but Napoli's Alex Meret made crucial saves. The Italian keeper made five saves in the game but couldn't stop Robert Lewandowski's goal, which was a low shot that went into the bottom left corner.

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona has to worry about the second leg at their home against Napoli; Barca will pay attention to another Round of 16 games in the Champions League. They are also paying attention to the Atletico Madrid vs. Inter Milan tie. Barca wants to play in the biggest tournaments possible. Barca will try to qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup next summer, featuring 32 teams worldwide. The inaugural 32 teams Club World Cup will have 12 European teams, with FC Porto, Benfica, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid already qualified. PSG, Inter, and Bayern Munich have also qualified for it, but Barca and Atletico are not qualified. The teams qualified there because of their co-efficient ranking in UEFA.

Related News: FC Barcelona or Bayern? Hansi Flick decides who to join this summer

Barca needs to beat Napoli and Inter Milan to beat Atletico to have a chance at qualifying for the 2025 Club World Cup

Sport reports that Barça is still 6 points behind Atletico Madrid in the qualification for the Club World Cup. For Barça to qualify, they have to win the second leg, grab another win in the quarters, and Atleti have to lose to Inter Milan again. Inter Milan beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the San Siro a few days ago.


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