Barcelona delivered an attacking masterclass, powered by a Ferran Torres hat-trick, to secure a thrilling 5-3 victory over Real Betis on Saturday. The win at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville allowed the Catalan giants to extend their lead at the summit of La Liga to four points.
Torres Fires Barcelona into Command
The match began with a shock for the visitors as former Manchester United winger Antony put Real Betis ahead early on. However, Barcelona's response was swift and devastating. Ferran Torres equalised just five minutes later, finishing off a slick team move that involved defender Jules Kounde.
Torres was not done. The Spanish forward struck again in the 13th minute, converting a cross from Roony Bardghji to put Barca in front. He then completed his first-half hat-trick before the break with a fortunate deflected effort that beat goalkeeper Alvaro Valles. This brought his league tally to 11 goals, making him the second-top scorer in the division behind Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe.
Comfortable Lead Nearly Squandered
Barcelona's dominance continued with goals from Swedish winger Roony Bardghji and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who converted a penalty. The champions appeared to be cruising to a straightforward victory with a 5-1 lead.
However, a late lapse in concentration saw Betis score two consolation goals. Diego Llorente scored from a poorly defended corner, and former Barcelona player Ez Abde won a penalty, which was converted by Cucho Hernandez. Despite the late flurry, Barcelona secured the three points to maintain their grip on first place.
League Implications and Managerial Decisions
Manager Hansi Flick's decision to rotate his squad, with a crucial Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt in mind, paid off handsomely. He started Torres in place of Robert Lewandowski and deployed Lamine Yamal in a central attacking role, both of whom were instrumental in the win.
The result puts pressure on second-placed Real Madrid, who host Celta Vigo on Sunday. In other Saturday action, third-placed Villarreal kept pace with a 2-0 win over Getafe, their sixth consecutive league victory, to stay just one point behind Madrid.
Barcelona's focus now shifts to Europe, but this emphatic victory sends a strong message in the title race as they head into a busy festive period.
