Alena: I'm not surprised I was substituted, I'm happy with the chances I'm getting LaLiga Santander - Barcelona vs Valencia Pleased to have been given another start

Ernesto Valverde has often felt the pressure of not giving more opportunities to La Masia graduates, yet he has endeavoured to develop Carles Alena of late and the midfielder is grateful for the chances he has been given.

He was taken off in the 66th minute against Valencia, but wasn't upset at having his outing cut short.

"I'm not surprised I was substituted and I'm happy with the chances the coach has given me," he said afterwards.

"It's the coach's decision and I'm happy every single time I step onto the pitch.

"I feel very comfortable and I know this team better, I think the group played a great game.

"I felt very comfortable, but for me it's not important how I play if the team doesn't win.

"At the beginning we were a little bit asleep, but the attitude of the group was perfect.

"We're even leaving this encounter after coming back with a strange feeling that we should have won."

Real Madrid await Los Cules in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey and Alena is eagerly anticipating his first Clasico as a bona-fide member of the senior team at the Camp Nou.

"Now we can start talking about Wednesday's match," he said.

"The important match was today against Valencia.

"The Clasico is a special match, and there is also the prospect of winning a title if we're successful."

That match against Real Madrid kicks off at 21:00 CET on Wednesday.