Barcelona's Spanish forward Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick as the defending champions beat La Liga rivals Real Betis 5-3, extending their lead at the top of the table to four points. The thrilling match was marked by controversy, with two contentious decisions going against Real Betis.
The visitors took an early lead through former Manchester United winger Antony, but Torres responded quickly, netting twice in the first 13 minutes - including a well-executed volley that left goalkeeper Marc Andérriz helpless. Barcelona's third goal came from just inside the box as Roony Bardghji slid home the ball past the Betis keeper.
Torres sealed his hat-trick with a deflected effort from outside the box in the 40th minute, which sent the Camp Nou crowd into raptures. However, Real Betis refused to give up, and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford's drive struck the arm of Marc Bartra, sparking controversy as Betis claimed his man's arm was tight to his body.
The referee, however, consulted VAR and awarded Barcelona a penalty for handball, which Lamine Yamal slot home in the 59th minute. The goal sparked renewed life into Betis, but they could not capitalize on their second chance when Fernando Llorente pulled one back with five minutes remaining. Cucho Hernandez's late penalty sealed a deserved draw for Real Betis.
Despite this result, Barcelona remain four points clear of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who face Celta Vigo later in the day. Ferran Torres' remarkable rise has seen him become Hansi Flick's most-used striker and now leads Barcelona in scoring with 13 goals - 11 coming in La Liga. The forward is one goal shy of Kylian Mbappe's league-leading tally of 16.
The visitors took an early lead through former Manchester United winger Antony, but Torres responded quickly, netting twice in the first 13 minutes - including a well-executed volley that left goalkeeper Marc Andérriz helpless. Barcelona's third goal came from just inside the box as Roony Bardghji slid home the ball past the Betis keeper.
Torres sealed his hat-trick with a deflected effort from outside the box in the 40th minute, which sent the Camp Nou crowd into raptures. However, Real Betis refused to give up, and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford's drive struck the arm of Marc Bartra, sparking controversy as Betis claimed his man's arm was tight to his body.
The referee, however, consulted VAR and awarded Barcelona a penalty for handball, which Lamine Yamal slot home in the 59th minute. The goal sparked renewed life into Betis, but they could not capitalize on their second chance when Fernando Llorente pulled one back with five minutes remaining. Cucho Hernandez's late penalty sealed a deserved draw for Real Betis.
Despite this result, Barcelona remain four points clear of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who face Celta Vigo later in the day. Ferran Torres' remarkable rise has seen him become Hansi Flick's most-used striker and now leads Barcelona in scoring with 13 goals - 11 coming in La Liga. The forward is one goal shy of Kylian Mbappe's league-leading tally of 16.
And Cucho's late equaliser 
? That was insane! Torres is on fire tho 
, 13 goals in La Liga already? He's gonna give Barcelona a good chance to win the league. Not sure about Mbappe though, that guy's been carrying his team all season 
... and now there's this competition from Ferran 
Can you believe that match was like a rollercoaster ride? 
One minute it's Betis up, the next it's Barcelona cruising ahead, and then BAM! 
Back to square one with Cucho Hernandez scoring that penalty! 
And let me tell you, Ferran Torres' hat-trick was pure magic. I mean, who needs VAR when your feet are like magic? 
Just kidding, we all know that's not how it works... or does it? 
.
. Real Betis, on the other hand, will need to regroup and come back stronger after that crazy comeback 
. Cucho Hernandez's penalty was a bummer, but at least they got something out of it 
.
. He's got the skills, he's got the pace, and he's got the goals. Can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings from him 
!
. And I gotta say, those two contentious decisions against Real Betis were pretty sus 
but i gotta say, that penalty call against marcus rashford was a bit suspicious 
maybe barca got lucky?
Anyway, gotta give props to Real Betis for pushing back after going 3-0 down. They're definitely giving Barcelona a run for their money in the league 
. gotta see how they match up later today