Ferran Torres netted a hat-trick as FC Barcelona moved up to third spot with a 4-2 win over Real Betis on Sunday evening.
LaLiga
Result: Real Betis 2-4 Barcelona
Date: 21 January 2024
Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín
Barca made welcomed back Yamine Yamal and Ronaldo Araujo, who were both suspended in their win over Unionistas in the Copa del Rey, among a reshuffle that also included the return of Pedri, IIkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski.
The game got off to a quick start with both sides finding early chances but not accurate enough.
However, Torres eventually broke the deadlock for Xavi's charges midway into the first stanza with a tap-in from a cross by Pedri.
The Catalan giants gained momentum and Yamal came close to doubling their lead eight minutes from the break with a strike from the edge of the box that cracked the post.
The hosts thought they finally had a two-goal cushion on the stroke of half-time after Lewandowski rolled home a square pass into a gaping net but the goal was disallowed due to offside.
Barca eventually went 2-0 up three minutes into the second stanza after Torres had an easy tap-in from a rebound and completed his brace, after Yamal's shot struck the post.
Real Betis were fired up after that and Isco reduced the deficit just before the hour-mark with a half-volley in the box that went into the roof of the net.
The home side seized their momentum as Isco levelled matters and got his brace moments later with a strike from a lofted pass by Luiz Henrique and although the goal was initially disallowed, it was eventually given by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Xavi reacted with an attacking change as Lewandowski was replaced by Vitor Roque and with ten minutes remaining, Joao Felix came on for debutant defender Pau Cubarsi in a tactical switch.
The changes vindicated Xavi, as Felix gave Barca the lead in the last minute with a strike in the box using the outside of his boot after a low cross by Torres.
As Betis committed numbers forward, Torres put the result beyond doubt for Blaugrana in stoppage time as he made it 4-2 and completed his hat-trick with a lob over goalkeeper Rui Silva after going through on goal.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments
