Barcelona overcame a one goal deficit in the first league against Espanyol to Progress to the Semi-final of the Copa de Rey thanks to first half goals from Luiz Suarez and Lionel Messi as the Blaugrana side keeps the treble dream alive. Barcelona coming into this game where a goal down having lost the first leg of the tie last week started to dominate early proceedings and immediately got back to level terms in the tie on the 9th minute thanks to a goal by Suarez who was booked a minute earlier with Alex Vidal the creator of the goal Opportunity.
Espanyol almost grabbed a vital away goal if not for the brilliance of Jasper Cillessen who was able to save the shot from Gerard Moreno. Another miss from Esteban Granero as the former Madrid man was expected to hit the target at least inside the Barcelona box. Lionel Messi scored the second goal to put Barcelona head in the tie at the 25th Minute with his 4000th Barcelona goal. Barcelona dominated from then to the end of the first interval with Suarez and Messi being the partners in crime. Espanyol’s Substitute during the break Leo Baptistao
Almost repaid the faith placed in him with a well-timed shot which was saved by Cillessen who has been superb in the night.
On the 66th minute Philippe Coutinho made his Barcelona debut as the €160million replaced Andres Iniesta. The Former Liverpool midfielder was welcomed with a tackle from Sergio Garcia who was booked too. Barcelona continued to dominate the game and almost had the third goal towards the closing stages with Coutinho at the strings of action.
Coutinho after the match was delighted with his debut for the Spanish side. He also reveals how the former Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho had been a source of wisdom and strength to him prior to the tie.
Coutinho will be set to make his La Liga debut this weekend as Barcelona hosts Alaves at Camp Nou.