Barcelona coach Xavi praised Robert Lewandowski after he scored in their 1-1 draw at Champions League opponents Napoli.

Lewandowski's opener for Barca was canceled out by Victor Osimhen as the round 16 first-leg clash finished all square.

Xavi later said: "Now he plays for the team.

"He has taken a step forward. He wins duels, he gets together with the team, he is plugged into high pressing... he is a natural leader and wants to improve. He is helping a lot in this stretch.

"The result does not prove us right. I am satisfied, today we can be proud of the image, of how the team has competed. It is one of the best games in Europe. But the result does not prove us right."

He added: "After 0-1, we lacked pause, control... I have a bitter feeling. It is not a bad result, but today was about winning. We have forgiven a lot. We have been good in the game model. Playing like this we have a lot of chances to go to the quarterfinals.

"We have lost duels, but in defense they have generated little for us and in attack we have had many chances. The feeling is bitter for not winning."