Napoli owner sees astonishing live TV admission backfire immediately as Barcelona inflict Champions League misery

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis went live on air and promised his players an astonishing bonus if they fought off Barcelona in the Champions League.

But it immediately backfired as Barca sent them packing at Camp Nou. The Serie A champions went into the second leg with Xavi and his team buoyed after Victor Osimhen earned them a draw in Naples last month. It's been a tough season but Napoli were feeling confident after a strong run of form going into it - none moreso than president De Laurentiis.

Speaking to TV cameras ahead of kick-off, he was asked about reports in Italy which claimed he had promised his players a bonus of €10m (just over £8.5m) if they won. And he said: "You are very well informed. It's more than €10 million, in fact..." As it transpired, though, he'll get to keep his money.

Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo put Barca in front with a quickfire first-half double, and while Amir Rrahmani gave Napoli hope, Robert Lewandowski made sure De Laurentiis' cash is staying where it is with an 83rd minute strike to seal the win.