Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde hailed Paco Alcacer for victory over Sevilla.

Alcacer scored both goals for the 2-1 win.

"He got two important goals and we hope that they give him the confidence that strikers need," Valverde told a press conference.

"We are happy with him and for the team. He has not played a lot and he has shown that he is a goalscorer and we are happy.

"I have a strong side here and anyone can come in and score. It is to the credit of the player that he can come in with the pressure on and perform."

Valverde played down the eleven point lead that Barcelona now have over Real Madrid who play tomorrow.

"At the moment we are leaders, we are not making mistakes and that we will go into this international break in good spirits," he explained.

"We have a difficult calendar ahead and to continue where we are then we have to be strong."