Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has admitted that he was pleased to see Paco Alcacer prove his credentials with a couple of goals against Sevilla.

The 24-year-old made the most of just his second La Liga start of the season - and a fifth appearance in all competitions - by netting either side of Guido Pizarro's header at Camp Nou on Saturday night.

Valverde hailed his match-winning hero after the game, talking up the importance of Alcacer finding form at just the right time to provide league leaders Barcelona with a little extra depth in attack.

"He got two important goals and we hope that they give him the confidence that strikers need," he told reporters. "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."

Barcelona's 2-1 win against Sevilla moved them 11 points clear of fourth-placed Real Madrid, who play their game in hand against Las Palmas on Sunday evening.