Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has defended Alexis Sanchez after his scattergun performance in their Copa draw with Malaga.

Vilanova insisted he must protect the 24-year-old from public criticism.

He told the club's website: "He is a young player with all the desire in the world. If he has missed chances it is because he has made the sprints to have them.

"We can accept him missing chances, but not him not trying. He tried.

"He is one of us and if we don't help him he will go into his shell and it will be even harder for him."