Xavi's Barcelona find their groove with help from Aubameyang

From the first goal to the fourth, Barcelona showed their attacking prowess against Napoli on Thursday. The opener came from a poorly taken Napoli corner, which fell to Aubameyang. The Gabonese striker carried the ball away from danger, released Adama Traoré, who, surrounded by three players, then played in Jordi Alba, who finished with his right foot to put the Catalan team ahead. A superb counter-attacking move. The fourth came when Adama Traoré sent in a low cross from the right, Frenkie de Jong let it find Aubameyang, who expertly put it into the top corner.

Barça continue to improve under Xavi. Ferran Torres is the only one who is struggling for form. Adama and Auba have been instant hits. Pedri is doing well again and Frenkie de Jong has finally rediscovered his form. Scoring four goals against a Napoli side who have conceded the fewest goals in Serie A is no mean feat. There are still defensive doubts, and Ter Stegen has started to look like a very average goalkeeper.

Spanish sides advance in Europa League

Barça advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League, and can be now included among the favourites to win the competition. Sevilla, you would imagine, will also be there or thereabouts. Real Betis had a tougher time of it, as they hosted Zenit in Seville. Pellegrini's team were maybe overconfident after their 2-3 first leg win and although they had a good spell in which they hit the post twice, they were saved from going to extra time by an absolute miracle. All in all we have only lost Real Sociedad in the round of 32. Three out of four is a good return. As Laporta said, we're not so bad.