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Coutinho Makes Barcelona Debut, Suarez Apologises To Him After The Game

Coutinho Makes Barcelona Debut, Suarez Apologises To Him After The Game

Barcelona's new £142 million man made his Camp Nou bow in the Copa del Rey.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Philippe Coutinho made an instant impression last night after making his Barcelona debut, and his performance yielded an apology from Luis Suarez.

(Watch Ronaldinho's class message to Coutinho prior to the Espanyol match:)

After trailing to Espanyol in the first-leg, Barcelona overturned the deficit, winning 2-0 on the night courtesy of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi - who else?!

Barcelona secure passage to the semi-final, with Ernesto Valverde eyeing up a sensational treble.

And the other main talking point from the cup clash was the introduction of Coutinho who made his Camp Nou bow following his £142 million switch from Liverpool.

He replaced Andres Iniesta just after the hour mark, and immediately got into the thick of the action.

Coutinho on for Iniesta
Coutinho on for Iniesta

Coutinho replaces Iniesta. Image: PA

The brilliant Brazilian was even robbed of an assist after beautifully teeing up Suarez who fluffed his lines.

And following the final whistle, the Uruguayan took to social media to apologies for failing to convert Coutinho's assist in brilliant fashion.

"TO SEMIFINALS. Congratulations for your debut @Phil_Coutinho and I hope to score next time. GREAT TEAM WORK!!!!!"

Coutinho admitted he was nervous ahead of entering the fray. Only natural, Phil.

"For me it's a great night, a very special night. They are my first minutes with this club and I'm very happy, thrilled," he said.

"The reception I got from the fans and the players left me happy. I was a little anxious, nervous, but the way they all received me left me very calm.

Coutinho
Coutinho

Coutinho in action for Barcelona. Image: PA

Coutinho added: "It's a special night and we've managed to win the game, which is the most important thing.

"It was a difficult game, as you'd expect, against a team who played well. I think from the first half we controlled the game well and we've deserved to win.

Meanwhile, Barcelona join Valencia, Sevilla and Leganes in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey.

The Catalans resume their La Liga campaign on Sunday night against Alaves.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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