Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman justified resting key players including Lionel Messi in Sunday’s 3-2 win at Real Betis by saying he wanted to keep his side fresh for the upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final clash at Sevilla.

The Dutchman left Messi, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri out of his starting line-up, but called on the trio after Borja Iglesias had given Betis a first-half lead.

Messi equalised within two minutes of coming off the bench and Francisco Trincao thumped in the winner in the 87th minute.“I made the rotations because the players are exhausted,” Koeman said. “We are into the Copa del Rey semi-finals and Sevilla are a good side so we have to protect the players.”