Philippe Coutinho has bounced back from showing poor form to becoming a key player for Ernesto Valverde. The Brazilian footballer helped Los Blaugranas in their efforts to reach the semi-final stage of the UEFA Champions League, and he did so with a spectacular goal.
Coutinho drilled his right-footed shot into David De Gea's top left-hand corner to give Los Blaugranas an uncontestable 3-0 lead against the Red Devils, making fans at Camp No Stadium delight. But even if it was supposed to be a happy moment for the former Liverpool player, he used this goal to hit back at those who criticized him earlier this season.
Moments after being congratulated by his team-mates, Coutinho faced one side of the Camp Nou and covered his ears with his index fingers, in what was taken by some as a cry for respect. Coutinho had been slammed all season long by the Blaugrana loyals, and he was not ready to take much more abuse after today's performance.
Have a look at his goal and at his celebration (Image might be geo-restricted).
¡¡SR. GOLAZOOOOO!!! Con un riflazo fuera del área, Philippe Coutinho marca el tercero. @FCBarcelona_es 3-0 @ManUtd (4-0)
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) April 16, 2019
EN VIVO https://t.co/wNFsR5qvMg pic.twitter.com/Z9DIeUpq1f
Coutinho's celebration sparked several reactions on social media, but we are sure that he will enjoy having one Barcelona legend on his side...
"Massive, Phil Coutinho!"
Grande @Phil_Coutinho
— Carles Puyol (@Carles5puyol) April 16, 2019