Barcelona's Ferran Torres 'proud fans chant my name'

Winger has struggled for form and game time but put on a show in Catalans' 2-0 win over Cadiz

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  BARCELONA RATINGS: Marc-Andre ter Stegen 7 - Back to keeping clean sheets after conceding two on Thursday. Effective, especially against Cadiz’s crosses and a side who’ve fought their way out of the relegation zone. Pushed a Chris Ramos toe-poke onto the post. EPA

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  Jules Kounde 7 - Barça’s worst player against United when he played centrally, he was switched back to the right against a competitive Cadiz. Better. AP Photo

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  Andreas Christensen 8 - He’s probably the best central defender in La Liga right now. Sub Ramos was a strong opponent for him, but the Dane defended well and pushed up high when his side attacked. EPA

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  Eric Garcia 7 - With Araujo suspended, he enjoyed his first minutes in five games as Xavi changed his side between the two Manchester United matches. Cadiz played a high press and kept the Catalans alert throughout. EPA

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  Alejandro Balde 6 - Shot wide after 25 minutes with his unfavoured right foot. Whipped a cross to Raphinha on 83. AFP

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  Sergi Roberto 8 - Captain for the night and put his side ahead on 43 minutes, hitting a shot through a crowded area. Set up the second. AFP

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  Frenkie de Jong 7 - Mediocre against Manchester United, he played in a deeper role where Sergio Busquets is usually positioned. Received a yellow card for dangerous play after 66 minutes. Came off two minutes later to a standing ovation. AP Photo

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  Gavi 8 - Twisted and turned his way forward. Fought for everything as he followed his manager’s instruction of playing between the lines. Will miss Barça’s next game - at Old Trafford on Thursday – and how he’ll be missed. Reuters

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  Robert Lewandowski 7 - Headed a Torres cross after 43 minutes which rebounded back for Sergi Roberto’s goal. Scored the second two minutes later - his 15th league goal of the season – low and hard from 20 yards. Came off to applause on 73. AFP

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  Ferran Torres 9 - First league start after the World Cup. Fast, tricky and dribbled – as if he’s been told to. Shot wide on 20 minutes with the best chance of the first half. Dribbled past three players before crossing to Lewandowksi before the first goal. His best game of the season. AFP

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  Ansu Fati 5 - First start in five games and he failed to make an impact. Tried to break down Cadiz’s deep defending in the first half. Finally got a shot off on 84, just before he came off. AP Photo

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  SUBS: Franck Kessie 6 - On for De Jong on 67 mins. Busy, but lacks the quality of other Barça midfielders. AP Photo

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  Raphinha 6 - On for Lewandowski after 74 mins. A threat, as he was against United when he was upset to be brought off. Did little but could be a danger at Old Trafford. Getty Images

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  Angel Alarcon NA - On for Fati after 88 minutes. EPA

Robert Lewandowski netted his 24th Barcelona goal to help the Catalans beat Cadiz 2-0 to restore their eight-point lead in La Liga on Sunday – but it was teammate Ferran Torres who caught the eye.

The Spain winger has struggled for form and game time this season, but with Ousmane Dembele injured and Raphinha rested ahead of Thursday's Europa League play-off return leg against Manchester United, the former Manchester City forward took his chance with both hands.

Torres was hyperactive, dribbling past defenders at pace and tying Cadiz's defence in knots in the first half.

One such run down the right saw him cross for Lewandowski after 43 minutes and although the Polish striker's effort was saved, Sergi Roberto was on hand to smash home the rebound.

Three minutes later Barcelona doubled their lead when Lewandowski collected the ball on the edge of the Cadiz box and fired a low strike into the bottom corner past Jeremias Ledesma.

"I work to show my football, it's true I've not had many minutes and (not had that much) importance in the team," Torres told Movistar.

"Every time the coach gives me his confidence, I go out to show him what I've got."

Some Barcelona fans sang Torres' name in response to his electric performance, encouraging the forward after his difficult spell.

"I'm proud that they chant my name," he added. "There is still work to do, the hard thing is to keep it up."

With one eye on Thursday's return leg at Old Trafford, Barca coach Xavi began with Sergi Roberto in midfield, replacing Pedri, who suffered a thigh injury in the Europa League 2-2 first leg draw with Manchester United last Thursday.

The coach passionately defended the Catalan after the game, saying he was a player often used as a scapegoat.

"I've heard the most unjust criticism [aimed at Sergi Roberto] in my life," Xavi told reporters.

"He's a homegrown player, with a spectacular attitude, always trying to help the team, he's unselfish."

Cadiz striker Roger Marti, who had a goal ruled out for offside early on, was infuriated as another was struck from the record in the second half.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was challenged by Cadiz defender Fali before Roger shot and the referee deemed the contact enough to be a foul.

Ter Stegen made a fine save to deny substitute Chris Ramos at the near post and keep yet another clean sheet, with Barcelona having conceded just seven goals from 22 matches in La Liga.

In Europe it has been another story, with Xavi hoping his side can prove more sturdy at the back against Manchester United than they were in the first leg.