In a thrilling UEFA Champions League showdown on Tuesday, Barcelona’s rising star, Pau Cubarsi, unveiled the strategy behind his successful containment of Victor Osimhen, sealing a 3-1 victory over Napoli and securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
Cubarsi, making his Champions League debut against Napoli, faced the daunting task of neutralizing the prolific Osimhen.
Yet, with tactical precision and unwavering determination, the 17-year-old defender rose to the challenge.
The pivotal moment came early in the game when Cubarsi executed a well-timed tackle, thwarting Osimhen’s menacing advance towards the goal.
Not stopping there, the young centre-back intercepted a dangerous cut-back from Zambo Anguissa, denying Osimhen another opportunity to capitalize.
Throughout the match, Osimhen found himself contained, managing just a solitary shot on target as Cubarsi shadowed his every move.
Reflecting on his performance, Cubarsi credited Barcelona coach Xavi for equipping him with the necessary insights to neutralize Osimhen’s threat effectively.
“Xavi gave me all the details to try and stop Osimhen,” Cubarsi revealed post-match, emphasizing the meticulous preparation that underpinned his success on the field.
Culminating his outstanding display, Cubarsi was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match accolade, a testament to his pivotal role in Barcelona’s triumph over Napoli.
As the LaLiga champions advance to the next stage of the Champions League, Cubarsi’s emergence as a formidable defensive talent offers a glimpse into Barcelona’s promising future, with his composed performance against Osimhen serving as a defining moment in his burgeoning career.
