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Coutinho thanks Messi for Penalty gesture in 6-1 Sevilla thrashing


Philippe Coutinho hailed Lionel Messi for letting him take a confidence-boosting penalty as the Catalans demolished Sevilla 6-1 in a praiseworthy Copa del Rey quarter-final comeback on Wednesday. Coutinho struggled in the first leg of the quarter finals in which Sevilla beat Barcelona 2-0, failing to replicate his wonderful performance at Liverpool.
Coutinho played a much better game today, grabbing his first opportunity after Messi was brought down by Quincy Promes in the 13th minute. Messi gave Coutinho the ball and told him to take the shot. This was the beginning of Barcelona's comeback, as Coutinho scored Barcelona's first goal of the game. He went on to score another goal, as did former Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez, Sergi Roberto and Messi.
Barcelona qualified for the Copa del Rey semi-finals with their 6-1 victory overturning the 2-0 deficit from the first leg when Barcelona captain Lionel Messi was rested by Ernesto Valverde. 
Talking to Barca TV, Coutinho said, "I tried everything and nothing was coming off. Leo encouraged me to take the penalty and that worked to help me gain confidence."
"It was not anything we had prepared, it was very kind on his part. The gesture shows how great he is as a person."
"It was a very special night for Barcelona fans everywhere; we knew that we had to come back after the bad result at the Sanchez-Pizjuan, we played very well and we deserved it," added Coutinho.
Messi also spoke after the game saying, "It was said that we were throwing the cup or that we didn't want it."
"My message was misunderstood: we will fight in three competitions, as is our obligation.
"At Barcelona, we fight for everything."
Messi's goal in tonight's game vs Levante was his 50th Copa del Rey goal.
"Before the goal I had a couple of chances that I missed," Messi added.
"But they [his teammates] scored others and when mine came, everything was decided.
"The team played great and we're into the next round."
Jasper Cillessen was in wonderful form, making two great saves - first from Andre Silva, then from Ever Banega's penalty. Gerard Pique was great, nearly flawless, Arthur was wonderful in the midfield, it was a remarkable come-back by Barcelona.
The following player ratings are provided by ESPN.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jasper Cillessen, 8
DF Sergi Roberto, 6
DF Gerard Pique, 9
DF Clement Lenglet, 7
DF Jordi Alba, 7 
MF Sergio Busquets, 7
MF Arthur, 8
MF Ivan Rakitic, 7
FW Lionel Messi, 9
FW Luis Suarez, 8
FW Philippe Coutinho, 7
Manager Rating out of 10 Ernesto Valverde - 8 


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