Ferran Torres delivered a sensational first-half hat-trick as Barcelona powered past Real Betis in a thrilling 5–3 victory on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points.
Lamine Yamal and Roony Bardghji added the remaining goals as Barça produced a dominant attacking display in Seville, despite conceding twice late on to tighten the scoreline.
The champions, aiming to build momentum after their midweek win over Atletico Madrid, started brightly even as coach Hansi Flick rotated his squad ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bardghji was handed a start on the right wing, Torres was deployed as the central striker in place of Robert Lewandowski, and Yamal operated in a more central playmaking role — a decision that paid off immediately.
Real Betis, playing temporarily at Estadio La Cartuja, struck first through Antony, the former Manchester United winger who capitalized on a defensive lapse from Jules Koundé to fire the hosts ahead. But Koundé quickly redeemed himself, setting up Torres just five minutes later after a fluid Barcelona move.
Torres doubled the lead in the 13th minute, this time finishing from a Bardghji cross, before the Swedish youngster got on the scoresheet himself with a composed finish following smart buildup play from Pedri.
Barcelona’s attacking rhythm continued to overwhelm Betis, and Torres completed his hat-trick before halftime when his shot took a fortunate deflection past goalkeeper Álvaro Valles.
The strike marked his 11th league goal of the season, placing him second only to Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé in the scoring charts.
Flick praised his players afterward, acknowledging the physical toll of recent performances: “We are fighting and my players were exhausted.
At the end not everyone was 100 percent, and this is normal. Today is very positive, really positive and my compliments to the team.”
Despite Barcelona’s control, Betis fought back late with two consolation goals, adding drama to an otherwise comfortable victory for the champions.
With Real Madrid hosting Celta Vigo on Sunday and Atletico Madrid visiting Athletic Bilbao later on Saturday, Barcelona’s win puts pressure on their nearest rivals as the title race intensifies.
