Goal.com · Jan 27, 2019
Valverde backs mis-firing Coutinho to start scoring soon
Ernesto Valverde praised Philippe Coutinho's creativity and character after a tough outing for the Brazil star in Barcelona's 2-0 win at Girona.
Goals from Nelson Semedo and Lionel Messi restored Barca's five-point lead at the top of LaLiga, although Girona caused a share of problems for their illustrious visitors – even after Bernardo Espinosa's 51st-minute sending off.
It might have been a more straightforward victory had Coutinho converted a sublime Messi pass midway through the first half and he botched another one-on-one opportunity in stoppage time.
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