Ferran Torres scored a penalty as Barcelona rescued a draw in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie against Napoli at the Nou Camp.

Making their first appearance in this competition in almost 18 years, the Spanish giants fell behind in the first half when Piotr Zielinski drove in.

But Barcelona were awarded a penalty in the second half by VAR after Adama Traore's cross hit Juan Jesus' hand.

Torres stepped up to send goalkeeper Alex Meret the wrong way.

The goal will have been of significant relief for the former Manchester City striker after he had missed a big chance when the game was goalless, firing over when well placed inside the box.

However, he also had a good opportunity to win the game for Barcelona late on, but again sent his shot over the bar.

Ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a quiet game as he made his first start for Barcelona and his first competitive start since 2 December.

Xavi's side, who are in the Europa League after failing to get out of their group in the Champions League, were the better side after Torres' 59th-minute equaliser but could not find a winner despite their late pressure,

The two sides will meet again in Italy for the second leg on Thursday, 24 February.

The latest news on the condition of the three main players at Atletico Madrid ahead of vs Barcelona

MDP Live - Atletico Madrid received mixed news regarding the condition of the main players who suffered injuries ahead of the important match against Barcelona which will take place on Sunday (06/02).

Atletico Madrid are preparing for one of the biggest games of the season in their quest to secure a place in the top four in La Liga.

Currently, Diego Simeone's team is in fourth place in the standings and only one point behind fifth-placed Barcelona. These conditions make this weekend's away match at Camp Nou an important one.

Both teams are on the verge of winning their last league game after losing two cup competitions and both are desperate to bounce back after having had a disappointing season so far.

Ahead of the match, Los Rojiblancos received mixed news regarding the current condition of the main players ahead of the match at Camp Nou. According to reports by Football-Espana, loanee Antoine Griezmann will be sidelined as he is still struggling with his recovery from an injury that has kept him out of action in recent weeks.

However, there is good news received by Diego Simeone regarding the condition of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Marcos Llorente who have returned to training and can be included in the big match tomorrow Sunday. In addition, new recruit, Daniel Wass may be able to start in the match and move Llorente's position to the middle if he is fit enough to start in that match.

It's terrible, Barcelona defender targets MU and Chelsea refuse contract extension

MDP Live - Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo rejected the first offer of a contract extension from the club. Currently, Araujo is still under contract until 2023.

Barcelona and the Uruguayan defender's agent started last week. However, when the offer was given, the Araujo camp immediately rejected it.

Reportedly Barcelona and Araujo's agent will meet again for negotiations. Even so, this sounded the alarm for Manchester United or MU and Chelsea.

Both Premier League clubs are ready to pour some money to tempt Ronald Araujo to leave Barcelona. Previously, there was news that Araujo was ready to listen to offers.

However, Araujo through his agent confirmed that he wanted to get a proper offer. This is in light of Araujo's vital role at Barcelona.

Core Player

Araujo has become a core player at Barcelona. His position as a central defender with Gerard Pique is difficult to replace.

He is also a versatile player. The thing is he can play as a right and left defender if needed.

As reported by Marca, Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany has made Araujo's contract a priority. This is because Araujo is still young and has potential.

Reasonable

Araujo actually wants to stay at Barcelona. He loves this club with all his heart.

Even so, he wants the club to value him according to his abilities and performances on the pitch.

Copa del Rey Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona, ​​Xavi Returns Ultimatum Ousmane Dembele

MDP Live - Xavi Hernandez has lost patience with the drama of Ousmane Dembele's contract extension at Barcelona. He hopes Dembele will decide soon whether he wants to extend his contract or not.

He said Dembele only had two options, namely extending his contract or leaving in the January transfer window. Barcelona refuse to lose with Dembele.

"I don't want to offend anyone, the message is clear. He can extend his contract or he wants to leave," Xavi was quoted as saying by Marca.

"This is not an easy situation, but the interests of the club are everything. We are in a difficult situation. If he doesn't renew his contract, the club must find a solution."

Barcelona are certainly reluctant to release Ousmane Dembele for free next season. Moreover, this player was bought even in 2017.

Too long

Xavi said negotiations with Dembele had gone on too long. He said Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany had been talking to Dembele's agent for the past five months.

"We can't wait any longer. He told me he wanted to stay. Ask him why he hasn't extended his contract yet," he said.

Araujo contract

Xavi also hopes that Barcelona can tie Ronald Araujo to a new contract. He said the Uruguayan defender was an important part of Barcelona.

"Araujo's contract extension is a priority. For me he is important. He is an extraordinary defender and has winning character," he said.

"They have to reach an agreement quickly because he is a player for the future. It is important to have a player like him, he contributes a lot."

Refusing a new contract, Barcelona immediately sells Ousmane Dembele to Juventus or MU

MDP Live - Barcelona have received confirmation from Ousmane Dembele. The French winger refused a contract extension offered by Barca.

In recent weeks, Barcelona have tried to seek a new contract for Ousmane Dembele. As per Xavi Hernandez's recommendation, this player must be retained.

But Dembele's demands were too great. He refused to accept the offer of a pay cut and insisted on his initial request.

The problem is, Dembele also refuses to be sold this January. He wants to be sold for free when his contract expires on June 30.

This condition certainly will not be taken by Barcelona. Reportedly there are two clubs that have been monitoring Dembele, namely Juventus and Manchester United.

Dembele's Request

Dembele has rejected a new offer from Barcelona. He believes that he has become one of the best players in the world so he must be paid properly.

As reported by sport, Dembele asked for a salary of 500 million euros or 100 million euros per season plus 20 million euros for agents and 20 million euros in bonuses for extending the contract.

Bad

Barcelona must immediately find a buyer for Dembele. Based on statistics, Dembele's appearance is far from expectations.

He has only scored 1 goal in 11 matches he has played. The goal was also obtained against the weak club Linares.

He scored 2 assists and only had four shots on target. Barca certainly need more than this.

Dembele's career

Dembele is a footballer of French and Senegalese descent. The player who was born on May 15, 1997 started his career with Rennes before finally joining Borussia Dortmund in 2016.

Dembele's career skyrocketed so quickly. In just 3 years, he has been ogled by Barcelona, ​​which has kept him until now.

Xavi Annoyed Failure to Win from Granada, Calls Barcelona Lack of Experience

MDP Live - Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez angry his team failed to win from Granada. He considered that the failure occurred because Barcelona lacked experience.

"It was the lack of experience and the red card that thwarted our victory," Xavi said as reported by Football Espana.

Barcelona had to settle for going home with one point after a 1-1 draw against host Granada in La Liga, Sunday (9/1/2022) early morning. Barcelona actually took the lead in this match.

Blaugrana stole a goal through Luuk de Jong in minute 57. In minute 79, Gavi was sent off for receiving a second yellow card.

One minute before disbanding, Granada, who had the advantage in the number of players, scored through Antonio Puertas. The score was changed to 1-1 until the game was over.

"We lost two important points," said Xavi regretfully.

Self Criticism

Xavi said Barcelona must evaluate themselves after this failure. According to him, this minor result occurred because of his own fault.

"We can't leave here and be happy. We have to be self-critical," he said.

"It's a shame not to win. But this result happened because of our own fault," Xavi concluded.