Valverde admits Barcelona faced tough test in narrow win over Cultural Leonesa

Ernesto Valverde felt his Barcelona side had survived a tough test as they edged a tight contest with Cultural Leonesa in the Copa Del Rey.

LaLiga leaders Barca needed an injury-time winner from Clement Lenglet to claim an advantage from the first leg of their fourth-round tie, beating the battling minnows 1-0 at the Estadio Reino de Leon.

Valverde made 11 changes from the side that beat Real Madrid at the weekend and they found the going tough against the side from Spain’s regionalised Segunda Division B.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Valverde said: “It was a complicated game, one of the worst of the year because these (cup ties) are always especially difficult.

“The team had the attitude of trying to win but it was difficult to have continuity and we lost possession because they were very strong. It was a permanent exam but I have seen quite a few good things.”

Among his changes, Valverde gave opportunities to Malcom, who has featured little since his controversial summer move from Bordeaux, Ousmane Dembele and Arturo Vidal.

A number of youngsters were also given a chance while back-up goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen impressed with some good saves.

Valverde said: “I’ve had a good look at them. They had an important responsibility.

“The youngsters are used to playing in Segunda B but today it was more complicated because Cultural played with a higher intensity.”