Coutinho Debuts For Barcelona In Cope Del Rey


  It was the almost the biggest cheer of the night when Philippe Coutinho replaced Andres Iniesta in the 68th minute.
 His debut could not have been more assured and there were ‘Oles!’ for his passes from home supporters who saw him so nearly set-up Luis Suarez for what would have been Barca’s third goal on the night.

 ‘I’m just pleased to have made my debut, for the way I was received, and to start with a win,’ he said after Barcelona made it into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory over local rivals Espanyol.


Philippe Coutinho replaced Andres Iniesta to make his Barcelona debut on Thursday night
Coutinho, signed for £142m from Liverpool, admitted to feeling nerves on his first appearance

The Brazilian, who was photographed next to Luis Suarez in the dressing room after his debut, said: ‘I was a bit anxious but the way the supporters greeted me when I came on calmed me down. It was all positive.
‘It was a special night and we got the result we needed to make it to the semi-finals. It was not an easy game. They made it difficult but on the balance of the two games we did enough to deserve to to go through.’

Coutinho wore the number 14 shirt vacated by Javier Mascherano and he could make his full debut in the home match against Alaves on Sunday.

Mascherano, aged 33, was presented to supporters before Thursday's game ahead of his transfer to Chinese side Hebei Fortune.

Coutinho celebrates with Luis Suarez after Barcelona booked their place in the semi-finals.

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