Philippe Coutinho makes debut as Barcelona ease past Espanyol

Updated 25/01/2018 at 23:06 GMT

Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg, Camp Nou - Barcelona 2 (Suarez 9', Messi 25') Espanyol 0

Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (R) challenges Espanyol's Spanish midfielder Victor Sanchez during the Spanish 'Copa del Rey' (King's cup) quarter-final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou sta

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Philippe Coutinho made his Barcelona debut off the bench as he helped his new side to a comfortable 2-0 win over city rivals Espanyol 2-0, securing their place in the semi finals of the Copa del Rey.

The Catalans are targeting their fourth successive triumph in the competition and had a first-leg deficit to overturn after defeat at the RCDE Stadium last week. But Barca looked comfortable from early on, with Luis Suarez equalising on aggregate after just nine minutes.

Lionel Messi scored Barcelona’s second of the night, putting them 2-1 up over the two legs, with a deflection off the legs of an Espanyol defender diverting the ball past Pau Lopez in goals. From then on, the hosts were rarely troubled.

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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish 'Copa del Rey' (King's cup) quarter-final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on January 25, 2

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The highlight of the second half was the introduction of Coutinho off the bench for his Barcelona debut, replacing Andres Iniesta in what was a symbolic changing of the guard. This was yet another display of strength from the Catalans, who are on course to lift another Copa del Rey.

TALKING POINT

Will Philippe Coutinho make Barcelona even better? Injury made Coutinho wait longer than he would have liked for his Barcelona debut, but it came this evening and in coming off the bench in the second half the Brazilian gave a glimpse into how he will slot into Ernesto Valverde’s side. Playing in behind the central two of Messi and Suarez, the former Liverpool man added another dimension. The early signs were positive.

Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (L) replaces Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta during the Spanish 'Copa del Rey' (King's cup) quarter-final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou stad

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MAN OF THE MATCH

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) This wasn’t the greatest ever performance by Messi, but it says a lot about his sheer quality than even when he is some way below his best, the Argentine is still the best player on the pitch. Ultimately, his goal secured Barcelona a place in the final four of the Copa del Rey, but he was the one pulling the strings in the final third for the Catalans. He is the beating heart of this team.

PLAYER RATINGS

Barcelona - Cillessen 5, Roberto 5, Pique 5, Umtiti 6, Alba 6, Rakitic 6, Busquets 7, Iniesta 7, Vidal 8, Messi 8, Suarez 7. Subs - Paulinho 6, Coutinho 6, Gomes.

Espanyol - Lopez 7, Navarro 5, Naldo 6, Hermoso 5, Aaron 6, Fuego 5, Lopez 6, Sanchez 5, Granero 6, Darder 5, Moreno 6. Subs - Baptistao 5, Melendo, Garcia 5.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Spanish 'Copa del Rey' (King's cup) quarter-final second leg football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelo

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KEY MOMENTS

9’ GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol (1-1 on aggregate): Barcelona have restored parity in the tie! Suarez drifted away to the back post., losing his marker, and slammed home a header from close range. It was an excellent cross from Vidal.

24’ GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Espanyol (2-1 on aggregate): Messi has put Barcelona ahead in the tie! The Argentine dribbles along the edge of the box and curls an effort towards goal. It takes a deflection off an opposition defender and flashes past the goalkeeper.

73’ DOUBLE SAVE! Coutinho bursts through and sets up Suarez for the shot. Lopez makes the save from the striker, then he gets up to save Rakitic from the rebound as well. Great reactions!

86’ OFF THE POST! Inches away from being the goal that secures beyond all reasonable doubt Barcelona's place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Messi's header comes back off the woodwork.