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January 22, 2024

Real Betis 2-4 Barcelona: Ferran Torres’s Hat-Trick Fuels Thrilling Victory – La Liga

Barcelona kept pace at the top of La Liga with a 4-2 victory over Real Betis, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Ferran Torres. Isco scored twice for Betis, but goals from Torres and Joao Felix sealed the win for Barcelona, who remain third, seven points behind Real Madrid. Madrid briefly took the lead over Girona with a 3-2 win against Almeria. However, Girona later reclaimed the top spot with a 5-1 triumph over Sevilla.

Torres opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 21st minute and doubled the lead just after halftime. Initially, it seemed like Xavi’s side was in control at the Benito Villamarin in Seville. However, Betis responded fiercely when Isco netted two brilliant goals quickly, leveling the match at 2-2 by the 59th minute.

The game swung back and forth, with chances for both teams. Still, Barcelona regained the advantage when substitute Joao Felix finished with the outside of his boot after a brilliant setup from Torres in the dying moments. Torres then capped off his hat-trick, sprinting onto a pass from the impressive Lamine Yamal and executing a superb chipped finish deep into stoppage time.

With this victory, Barcelona sits third in the standings with 44 points from 20 matches, trailing Madrid by seven points. Both Barcelona and Madrid have one game in hand compared to Girona.

Talking Point – Barcelona Shows Resilience to Secure Victory

Xavi couldn’t contain his joy as Ferran Torres netted the match-clinching fourth goal for Barcelona, for good reason. It was an exhilarating match, and the visiting team should take pride in earning all three points after Isco leveled the score for Real Betis with two quick goals just before the hour mark. While lesser teams might have faltered under pressure, Barcelona showcased their character and quality to finish strong.

Player of the Match – Ferran Torres (Barcelona)

Torres scored a hat-trick and assisted João Félix for the crucial third goal in the dying minutes, rounding off a remarkable evening in Seville. Special mentions go to his young teammate Lamine Yamal and Betis playmaker Isco, who delivered standout performances.

Player Ratings

Real Betis: Silva 6, Bellerin 6, Pezzella 6, Sokratis 6, Abner 6, Johnny 6, Isco 9, Roca 6, Luiz Henrique 7, Willian Jose 6, Diao 7. Substitutes: Sergi Altimira 6, Borja Iglesias 6, Nabil Fekir 6.

Barcelona: Pena 6, Koundé 7, Araujo 7, Cubarsi 8, Baldé 6, De Jong 6, Gundogan 7, Pedri 7, Yamal 9, Lewandowski 6, Torres 9. Substitutes: João Félix 8, Fermín López 7, Vitor Roque 7.

Match Highlights

21′ – GOAL FOR BARCELONA! (TORRES)

Pedri delivered a beautiful cross from the right, perfectly placed across the face of the goal for Ferran Torres to tap in. The traveling fans celebrate high in the stands as VAR confirms the goal is onside. Barcelona takes a 1-0 lead with a fine finish.

48′ – GOAL FOR BARCELONA! (TORRES)

Torres adds another! He hammers the ball into the net after ricocheting off the crossbar from Lamine Yamal’s delivery. Great play by Yamal makes it 2-0 for the visitors.

56′ – BETIS HIT BACK (ISCO)

Inaki Pena struggles to handle a cross, palming it back into the mix. Isco capitalizes, smashing an unstoppable volley into the net. What a strike! Betis are back in the game.

60′ – GOAL FOR REAL BETIS! (ISCO)

Incredible! Isco scores his second in just four minutes, leveling the match at 2-2 with a brilliant chip over Pena after receiving a pass from Luiz Henrique. VAR confirms he’s onside. What will Barcelona do now?

89′ – GOAL FOR BARCELONA! (JOÃO FELIX)

João Félix finishes brilliantly from a pass by Ferran Torres at the edge of the box. A slick one-two between them leads to a superb outside-of-the-right-boot shot. Is this the winner?

90+3′ – GOAL FOR BARCELONA! (TORRES)

Hat trick for Torres! A fantastic pass from Yamal sends him clear, and he delicately chips it over Silva. This surely seals the victory for Barcelona, who now lead 4-2.

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