Barcelona head coach Xavi has thrown his support behind new signing Ferran Torres after spurning a host of good chances in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Napoli.
Barca needed a fortunate penalty, converted by Ferran Torres in the 59th minute, to rescue a draw at Camp Nou in their Europa League knockout round first leg.
But the Spanish midfielder, who joined from Manchester City, fluffed a handful of chances throughout the contest, leaving Napoli marginally in the box seat to progress ahead of the return leg in Italy.
“We were just making a comparison in the dressing room,” Xavi told reporters. “It happened to Luis Suarez, who seemed to be struggling to score.
“The Barcelona shirt weighs a few kilos more. But I am delighted to have (Torres) in the team and he will give a lot of joy.
“If he is in the area, it is because he will score. He could score all his life and he will. In training he is one of those who scores the most. He has our absolute confidence. He has to just put it behind him.
“It will not affect him. I will take care of this, the staff (will do so too). He is very strong, self-demanding.”
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Scottish champions Rangers stunned German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund 4-2 on the road, while Real Betis won 3-2 at Zenit St Petersburg with all five goals scored in the first half.
Moldovan club Sheriff defeated Sporting Braga 2-0, Sevilla beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 and RB Leipzig came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Real Sociedad.
Berat Djimsiti netted a second-half double to lead Atalanta past Olympiacos 2-1, while Toni Martinez scored a brace as FC Porto got past Lazio 2-1.
