Ernesto Valverde jumps to Luis Suarez’s defence over controversial goal in Barcelona win over Leganes

Suarez scored to put Barcelona back into the lead but despite a lengthy VAR review, the striker was not punished for making contact with goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar’s face

Luis Suarez scored for Barcelona despite making contact with Ivan Cuellar's face (AFP/Getty)

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde described Luis Suarez's effort as "a clear goal" following the 3-1 La Liga win over Leganes at the Nou Camp.

After Ousmane Dembele's first-half opener for the hosts had been cancelled out by Martin Braithwaite, Suarez put Barca 2-1 up in the 71st minute, following up when substitute Lionel Messi's shot was parried.

While it appeared that as Suarez poked the ball in, his knee had made contact with goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar's face, but the goal stood after several replays of the incident.

Messi then got on the scoresheet in added time as the five-point lead Barca had over second-placed Atletico Madrid heading into this weekend was restored.

Valverde was quoted by Marca as saying with regard to the Suarez incident: "I thought it was a goal.

"What can I say? Everyone will have their own point of view on it but if the referee gave it, then it is a goal.

"With VAR, the controversy still doesn't end; it is a clear goal.

"He doesn't touch the goalkeeper, so it was right that it was given."

He added: "There will always be controversy and mistakes. You have to accept that errors will happen and that will not end with VAR or a robot referee.

Suarez and Cuellar clashed over the incident (AFP/Getty)

"VAR will never be perfect as it is impossible for two players to be in a perfect line so there will always be disagreements.

"I think that VAR can eliminate major errors but there's always room for everyone to have their say."

Barcelona confirmed on their official website that Dembele had sprained his left ankle during the game.

The club said more tests would be done on Monday to find out the extent of the injury, with Valverde saying: "Hopefully he won't be out for long."

PA