Mueez Ajao
– Ferran Torres scored for Barcelona as they fought back at Eintracht Frankfurt to earn a draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
– Ansgar Knauff’s superb long-distance strike shortly after half-time raised the prospect of a first Barcelona defeat since December.
– But Torres combined brilliantly with Frenkie de Jong before scoring with a low drive.
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– The hosts had defender Tuta sent off late on but Barca could not capitalise.
– That dismissal for two bookings capped a busy evening for English referee Michael Oliver, who earlier awarded Frankfurt a penalty before changing his mind after being sent to the pitchside monitor.
– Former Manchester City attacker Torres’s goal means the Spanish side, now unbeaten in 22 games and rejuvenated under manager Xavi, will be favourites to advance to the semi-finals when they meet again for the second leg at the Nou Camp next Thursday.
– The German side are ninth in the Bundesliga and without a win in four matches.
