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9 months ago
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After a complicated victory in the Copa del Rey against the Salamanca Unionistas, FC Barcelona, unfortunate finalist of the Supercopa in Saudi Arabia against Real Madrid, traveled to the Benito-Villamarin pitch to face Real Betis, as part of of the 21st day of La Liga. The opportunity for the Blaugranas to take advantage of Athletic’s misstep in Valencia (0-1) to get back on the podium as well as Girona’s draw in Almeria (0-0) to catch up in the title race , despite Real Madrid’s stunning victory earlier in the evening (3-2).
Doubles from Torres… and Isco
After conceding a heavy 5-0 defeat in the first leg at Montjuic, the Verdiblancos wanted to endure this affront in front of their public and created the first fears in the Catalan camp, without success in the last gesture, as evidenced by Willian’s attempted lob. José (5th). Behind, Xavi’s flock put their foot on the ball and materialized their ascendancy through Pedri, launched on a favorable counter, who found Ferran Torres in front of the empty goal (1-0, 21st). Without taking the break, Barça imposed its law against a determined but ineffective Sevillian team.
Returning from the locker room, the locals showed a better face in their offensive opportunities but were punished by the Tiburon (shark in Spanish) for a double in Andalusia. Torres took advantage of the good work of Yamal, who saw his cross deflected off the post to find his friend in attack (2-0, 48th). Two shots on target, two goals: maximum efficiency for the Culers. Yes, but this accuracy in the opposing camp was weighed down by defensive shortcomings. Starting with a poorly cleared cross by Iñaki Peña, which saw Isco offer a superb unstoppable volley (2-1, 56th).
Barça gives itself some fresh air
The former Real Madrid player, who has become the darling of Betis supporters, distinguished himself three minutes later by lobbing the Catalan goalkeeper from a tight angle for his first double in Seville (2-2, 59th). However, this return to the score for Manuel Pellegrini’s men was spoiled by the winning coaching of Xavi, who brought João Félix in the last ten minutes. Before the end of regulation time, the Portuguese striker, served by Torres, offered a superb outside foot at the near post to restore the advantage to his team (3-2, 90th).
Before the former Mancunian achieved… the hat-trick. While the locals were pushing to try to put the two teams back on an equal footing, Barça took advantage of the opposing high block to launch Ferran Torres, again, to deceive Rui Silva with a dive ball to make the break and confirm the three points taken in southern Spain. Victory for Barça, who are 7 points behind Girona and 9 behind Casa Blanca, at the head of La Liga. The first victory by more than a goal in the league since… the 5-0 success at home against their evening opponent, in September 2023.
