We Are More Than Confident Of Beating Confident PSG- Koeman

Ronald Koeman believes his Barcelona team are in good shape to play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 after their 5-1 win over Alaves.

Lionel Messi and Francisco Trincao each scored twice at the Camp Nou before Junior Firpo added a fifth goal late on.

“The team is doing well,” Koeman said at full time.

“We’re confident we’ll be able to win the tie [against PSG], knowing that we played against a strong defensive unit [in Alaves].

“They have injuries, but so do we. The tie is evenly matched. We have to play well to go through.

“We’re in a good run of form, with a good streak of wins. We’re confident.”

Messi’s two goals saw him close the gap to Luis Suarez to one goal in the Pichichi standings in LaLiga Santander.

“Messi is very important,” Koeman recognised. “He’s in fantastic form.

“We know he’s decisive; he has been for a long time.

“He’s very focused. He’s happy. He’s effective.

“With him, everything is easier.”

The Barcelona boss gave Ilaix Moriba his LaLiga Santander debut. The 18-year-old impressed in the first half but was at fault for Luis Rioja’s goal.

“It’s important that he’s being critical,” Koeman insisted, in reference to Ilaix owning up to his mistake.

“He misplaced a square ball that you can’t misplace. He has to improve.”