Video: Napoli’s shot-stopper dribbles Messi during UCL clash as fans react
Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina managed to send Lionel Messi tumbling to the ground with a body feint – before Dries Mertens put the Italians ahead moments later.
The Italian side are hosting Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie and took a shock lead in the first half.
But just before they took the lead, Ospina received the ball in his own box and managed to evade a pressing Messi who slid to the turf in the San Paulo Stadium.
Check out the clip below.
Ospina a convidar Messi para dançar 🤭🕺 #ChampionsEleven #ForTheFans pic.twitter.com/Y3qDnTFYc7
— Eleven Sports Portugal (@ElevenSports_PT) February 25, 2020
Se liga no Ospina que deixou Lionel Messi no chão kkkkkkkk pic.twitter.com/ZQV8045urG
— Futebol Maiis (@futebolmaiis) February 25, 2020
Twitter reacted to the former Arsenal keeper managing to give the 32-year-old a taste of his own medicine.
Messi has been ass so far, his best move was that ankle breaker Ospina pulled on him…
— 8💛24💜 (@ViniJrMadrid7) February 25, 2020
the important thing today is that everyone saw Ospina made Messi slip
— Don Arepa ⚽️🇨🇴 (@Super_Mario_18) February 25, 2020
Lmaooo Ospina sat Messi down
— Mo (@MainManMoo) February 25, 2020
Ospina just broke Messi’s ankles lmao
— K. (@khesraw_) February 25, 2020
Ospina dribbled Messi laid out pass that led to the opening goal.
Mertens precision was breathtaking.
Napoli 1–0 Barcelona#UCL #NAPBAR
— Anambra 1st son💭 (@UchePOkoye) February 25, 2020
After Ospina destroyed Messi, Martens sealed it with a superb finish.
💉💉💉💉💉💉💉💉💉💉
— NsukDropOut (@Abu_swag) February 25, 2020
Gennaro Gattuso’s side were big underdogs heading into the game and are missing key players such as Kalidou Koulibaly.
But the Serie A side took the lead through Mertens’ beautiful curling effort which took him level with Marek Hamsik as ‘Gli Azzurri’s’ all-time top goalscorer.
We think he enjoyed that one! 🕺
What a goal from Dries Mertens 👏
Napoli lead Barcelona! pic.twitter.com/7LPzdByGrw
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 25, 2020
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Barcelona looked toothless going forward and failed to register a shot on target.
However, Antoine Griezmann managed to level for Quique Setien’s side just before the hour mark.