WATCH : Philippe Coutinho scores his first goal for Barcelona

Five years ago, Liverpool were playing Swansea at home when Luis Suarez put Coutinho through on goal. The Merseyside club’s latest number 10 picked up the ball, jinked his way through two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot in the bottom corner to score his first goal for the Anfield club.

Suarez turned provider again last night, as the striker took on two defenders, before putting in a sumptuous cross at the back post for Coutinho to sweep home. The Brazilian wheeled away in delight and then immediately paid tribute to the man who has now assisted his first goal for both Liverpool and Barcelona.

In truth, Coutinho needed that goal, as the Brazilian was coming under increasing scrutiny at his new club. The second most expensive signing in history, Coutinho did not hit the ground running, as the Brazilian looked a little over awed in the presence of Iniesta and Messi.

Suarez though has made his life as comfortable as possible, as the old Anfield boys always looked for each other on the pitch. After two underwhelming displays in the league, Coutinho desperately needed a goal to silence the naysayers.

And in the 49th minute at the Mestalla, Coutinho pounced on Suarez’s cross to score the first goal in the tie and set Barcelona on their way to the Copa del Ray final. After three goal less halves in the tie, both sides had everything to play for in the last 45.

Coutinho came on from the bench, as Barcelona needed to score a goal and quick. Luis Suarez, who was the best player on the pitch, was the the man who created the goal and the great Uruguayan beat two players on the left wing and then provided an inch perfect cross to Coutinho.

Ivan Rakitic scored another one late on to confirm Barcelona’s passage to the final, as the Catalan side now have the chance to lift the title for the fourth consecutive time.

It all bodes well for Barcelona, as they can now concentrate on the Champions league starting in a few days time. With the league already sewn up, and another treble may be on the horizon for the Catalan side.

WATCH COUTINHO’ FIRST GOAL: