Barcelona fullback Nelson Semedo defended Philippe Coutinho after victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Coutinho was whistled by the Camp Nou on Saturday but Semedo insists the Brazilian is experiencing a run of form that all players endure at one point or another.

"We try to help him," Semedo said.

"He's going through a phase that we all go through.

"He continues to work in every training session, he gives his all and we have to help."