Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde defended benching Philippe Coutinho for their win over Eibar.

Coutinho started the game as a substitute for the 2-0 victory.

Explaining his decision to drop Coutinho, Valverde told reporters: "I think it was best for my team to try to win.

"Last week Coutinho started, Iniesta didn't, so this week Iniesta started. It's true that on Tuesday we have another match but for me the most important thing was this match.

"On Tuesday, let's see, I know Coutinho cannot play, but we will do something."