Philippe Coutinho scores first Barcelona goal as Catalans reach Copa del Rey final

Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for Barcelona as his new side beat Valencia 2-0 (3-0 on aggregate) to progress to the final of the Copa del Rey for the fifth season in a row.

Coutinho was set-up by former Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez, who burst down the left before sending the ball to the back post for the Brazilian to hook in on the slide. It was an astonishing finish from the playmaker, all but securing Barca’s passage to the final.

And it was Suarez who set up the second as he won the ball back, stayed on his feet and squared it into the path of the onrushing Ivan Rakitic, who calmly slotted home. Valencia threatened at times, with Rodrigo striking the crossbar with a header for the hosts in the first half, but ultimately this was a routine win for Ernesto Valverde’s men.

Barcelona will play Sevilla in the final as they bid to win their fourth Copa in a row. The venue of the final hasn’t been decided yet, with league chiefs waiting until the fixture was set before making a call on which stadium will be used. It has been reported that the Mestalla might be chosen whilst Atletico Madrid's new Wanda Metropolitano is also supposedly under consideration.

Was tonight the end of Andre Gomes’ Barcelona career? Returning to the place where Gomes made a name for himself, the Portuguese midfielder suffered one of his worst performances as a Barcelona player yet. Valverde made the decision to hook Gomes at half time, replacing him with Coutinho, and the difference was marked almost instantly. This summer, it’ll be two years since Gomes was signed from Valencia and still he doesn’t seem to have a role at the club. Did tonight effectively mark the end of his Barca career?

Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona) Not so long ago, Rakitic’s future at the Camp Nou was in doubt. Now, however, he has become the quintessential Valverde player, once again finding his top form this season. The Croatian found the back of the net, but this performance was about much more than just his goal. Rakitic was the one driving the Catalans forward, operating between the lines of defence, midfield and attack. Valencia struggled to keep tabs on him.

Valencia - Jaume 7, Montoya 6, Paulista 4, Garay 5, Gaya 6, Kondogbia 7, Parejo 5, Coquelin 6, Rodrigo 6, Zaza 5, Vietto 5. Subs - Vezo 4, Soler 5, Guedes 6.

Barcelona - Cillessen 8, Roberto 5, Pique 6, Umtiti 6, Alba 5, Busquets 7, Rakitic 8, Iniesta 8, Gomes 4, Suarez 7, Messi 6. Subs - Mina 5, Coutinho 7, Paulinho 5.

14’ OFF THE CROSSBAR! Inches away from being the opener for Valencia on the night and the equaliser on aggregate! Rodrigo got on the end of a cross and flicked a header towards goal, but it comes back off the underside of the bar.

50’ GOAL! Valencia 0-1 Barcelona (0-2 on aggregate): That's a huge goal in the context of this tie! Barcelona have an away goal. Suarez played the ball to the back post for Coutinho, who somehow managed to square a finish back across goal on the stretch, into the far corner.

70’ INJURY? This could be a concern for Valencia, not just for tonight but for the rest of the season. Gaya seems to be holding his hamstring and this might mean a change for the hosts. Indeed, he’s going to have to come off.

74’ WHAT A SENSATIONAL SAVE! How didn't that find the back of the net? Gaya looked set to score from about five yards out, but Cillessen make an incredible stop with an outstretched leg.

82’ GOAL! Valencia 0-2 Barcelona (0-3 on aggregate): That's the goal that should seal things for Barcelona! Valencia lost the ball inside their own half, allowing Suarez to make the pass to Rakitic. The Croatian made no mistake in sweeping home a finish.

Barcelona have reached their fifth successive Copa del Rey final.

Luis Suarez also assisted Philippe Coutinho's first goal for Liverpool (against Swansea in February 2013).