FC Barcelona secured a crucial and exhilarating 5-3 victory over Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, firmly consolidating their position at the top of the league table. The match, played in Seville, was an offensive showcase, dominated by a phenomenal performance from Spanish forward Ferran Torres, who netted a first-half hat-trick.
Torres Takes Center Stage
Following a key midweek victory against rivals Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, led by coach Hansi Flick, successfully built momentum despite rotating the squad ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture. The tactical shift saw Torres move up front and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal deployed in a central attacking midfield role.
The goals flowed quickly once the action started. Though former Manchester United forward Antony initially put Betis ahead, Barcelona responded swiftly. Torres leveled the score just minutes later, polishing off a cross from Jules Koundé. He quickly struck again in the 13th minute from a cross by Roony Bardghji, putting the champions ahead.
The rout continued with Bardghji scoring the third goal himself before Torres completed his impressive hat-trick just before halftime, courtesy of a deflected shot. This performance brought his league goal tally to 11, placing him second only to Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé in the La Liga scoring charts. Yamal added Barcelona’s fifth goal from the penalty spot early in the second half after a controversial handball call.
A Late Scare and Defensive Concerns
Despite the five-goal cushion, the match ended with a slight wobble as Betis scored two late consolation goals. Diego Llorente scored after a poorly defended corner, and former Barcelona defender Ez Abde was fouled by Koundé, allowing Cucho Hernández to roll home from the spot.
Although the scoreline finished 5-3, the victory was largely comfortable for Barcelona, who moved four points clear at the top of the table. The triumph underscores the team’s commitment to fighting for the title, a fact acknowledged by Coach Flick, who complimented his exhausted players for their “really positive” performance. The result now puts pressure on second-place Real Madrid, who host Celta Vigo, to close the gap in the Spanish title race.
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