Real Betis 2-4 FC Barcelona: Ferran Torres scores hattrick as Catalans edge past Betis in a six-goal thriller

FC Barcelona and Real Betis engaged in an enthralling contest last night at Benito Villamarin as defending champions Barcelona gained a upper hand in the game at the end of the result. Ferran Torres, nicknamed “the Shark” was the hero of the night as he scored a blitzkrieg hattrick, his first in La Liga and Joao Felix wielded his magic wand with a trivela goal to finish things off for Xavi’s men.

Barcelona defeats Betis

FC Barcelona has proved once again why they are considered one of the best teams in the world. Although they might be having a topsy-turvy season with several cynical performances including last minute wins, people should not forget they are the reigning champions of La Liga, and are well on course to defend their title. In 2024, apart from a heartbreaking Spanish Super Cup final loss to arch rivals Real Madrid, the Catalans have been exceptional on the field, including two successive wins in Copa del Rey, which has led them to proceed to the quarter finals, slated to face La Liga opponents Athletic Bilbao mid-week. In the domestic league, they had started the year with a last-gasp victory against Las Palmas, banking on Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty on the 90th minute, and has continued their streak with a spectacular victory last night against Real Betis.

With a high-octane away clash on the cards, Xavi was forced to wring in some changes into his starting line-up as he was without the services of several first-team stars. Indeed, he made a defensive change as a new “B-A-C-K” was employed at the defense, with 16-year old La Masia prodigy Pau Cubarsi making his first start for the senior team, having Kounde, Araujo and Balde completing the defensive throng. In the midfield, it was the strongest troika of Gundogan, Frenkie and Pedri, with attacking duties vested upon Lewandowski, Ferran and another 16-year old star Lamine Yamal on the flanks.

As for Betis, Pellegrini had started with Willian Jose on the front, spearheading the attack, as former Real Madrid star Isco had thronged the line-up, to showcase his exceptional abilities to pull things back for his side.

Ferran Torres draws first blood

Ferran Torres, the former Manchester City striker has proved his capabilities time and again this season, and last night was not an exception either as he scored the first goal from an exceptional assist from midfield wizard Pedri. As the clock struck 21st minute, Gundogan was well poised to play the ball towards Ferran as the forward was inside Betis’ half, but the ball took an ominous deflection from an opponent defender, falling on the feet of Pedri. The midfield metronome pulls Betis custodian Rui Silva towards himself, before rolling out a nice pass to Ferran Torres, who slotted home an easy goal into open net, thus giving the away side a well-deserved lead.

With the score line being 1-0 up in favor of the visitors, the second half was well slated for an exciting game, as the home side would be desperate to make their mark, banking on the support from the stands. But it was Ferran once again, who stole the limelight away from Betis as he scored a second goal just three minutes into second half. It was 16-year old Lamine Yamal’s brilliance which set the tone for the second goal, as the youngster got on to the end of the ball passed by Kounde, showcasing his exceptional speed and breezy run along the side of the goal. His shot deflected off the woodwork, with the rebound falling in front of Ferran Torres once again, as the Shark pounced upon the ball to blast it into the middle of the net.

Isco pulls things back

Isco Alarcon, the name itself has been a nightmare for Barcelona fans since a decade. The former Real Madrid player, who has had taken Barca players on their toes during his prime time at the Spanish capital, was once again at the disposal of haunting Barcelona. On the 56th minute, as the ball hovered around Barcelona defense, it was Isco who scored a banger to remind people that he is not finished. Rather, he is having an exceptional season, and last night he showed a glimpse of his caliber.

Henrique exerted his dominance over De Jong in getting past him and putting a ball into the middle of the box, which was punched away by Pena, only to fall before Isco, as the Spaniard smacked the ball into the top of the goal, thus reducing the deficit for the home side, urging their supporters to increase their voice.

Within three minutes, it was Isco again as the former Sevilla star brought Betis on level terms after scoring an exceptional goal from side net, as Henrique brought his passing ability to play, when he assisted the ball in the middle of Barca box, to find Isco, who looped the ball over the onrushing young Spanish keeper, thus restoring the parity with half-an-hour to play.

Felix displays his exuberance yet again

With time almost ticking away, Xavi wringed in some changes, bringing Felix and Roque to strengthen the attack. With few minutes to play and referee awarding an eight-minute stoppage time, it provided a window for both sides to earn the bragging rights. But, it was Barcelona who showcased their caliber in winning the game, as Joao Felix, the Portuguese wizard, restored the lead on the 90th minute.

It was an one-two between Torres and Felix as the Spaniard juggled the ball towards the Portuguese who was at the middle of Betis’ half. Felix then exhibited his exuberance with the ball with a magical trivela ball, scoring from outside the foot, to give Barca an astonishing lead, as it was all but over for the home side.

But, it was not over for Ferran Torres who was bent upon scoring his first La Liga hattrick, as two minutes later, it was Yamal’s brilliance which was at display, who broke free onto the counter attack, passing a defense-penetrating ball towards Ferran, who lobbed in the ball over Rui Silva, who had little to do anything on saving the ball. Ferran completed his hattrick in style as the final whistle blew, with all smiles at the Barca camp.

With this victory, Barcelona stay close to Real Madrid and Girona, as both of them managed huge wins in their respective games. The Catalans face Athletic Bilbao next in their Copa del Rey fixture mid-week, hoping to extend their winning streak.