Copa Del Rey "Barcelona 5 X 1 Real Betis"

Barcelona's dominant 5-1 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals was a masterclass in attacking football, with 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal playing a starring role. His goal, along with two assists, highlighted his growing influence in the team. The win came just days after their stunning 5-2 triumph over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, underscoring their current form and momentum.

Despite resting key players like Robert Lewandowski, Marc Casadó, and Alejandro Balde, Barcelona quickly asserted their dominance. Gavi opened the scoring just three minutes in, finishing a precise low shot from Dani Olmo’s assist. From there, the Blaugrana controlled the game with fluid passing and clinical finishing, leaving Betis with little opportunity to fight back.

The win not only confirmed their spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals but also sent a message that even without their full strength, Barcelona remains a formidable force. The youthful exuberance of Yamal, alongside the experience of players like Gavi and Olmo, gives Barcelona a well-rounded, dynamic squad that looks capable of challenging on all fronts this season.

Barcelona's clinical performance against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey was marked by a combination of sharp attacking play and clinical finishing, further cementing their growing reputation under coach Hansi Flick. After Gavi's early strike, the team continued to dominate, with Dani Olmo coming close to adding another in the 20th minute, only to see his powerful shot rattle the post.

It was Jules Koundé who doubled the lead in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a brilliant lobbed assist from Lamine Yamal. The French defender volleyed home from close range, giving Betis little chance to respond. Although Barcelona had two goals from Koundé and Yamal ruled out for offside by VAR, they remained relentless in their pursuit of more goals.

In the 58th minute, Raphinha found the net with a composed finish after a rapid counter-attack instigated by Yamal. The 16-year-old was once again at the heart of the action, displaying his flair and vision, and it was no surprise when his involvement led to the fourth goal. Ferran Torres made it 4-0 in the 67th minute, finishing from inside the box off an Olmo cross, demonstrating the depth and variety of Barcelona's attacking options.

Yamal capped off his outstanding performance in the 75th minute, scoring the fifth goal after yet another counter-attack. Although initially flagged offside, VAR quickly overturned the decision, confirming the goal and further highlighting Barcelona's attacking prowess.

Betis did manage a late consolation in the 84th minute when Vitor Roque, currently on-loan from Barcelona, converted a penalty. However, the match was well beyond reach for the visitors, with Barcelona sealing a resounding 5-1 win to secure their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

It was a complete team performance, with the youthful energy of Yamal and his colleagues blending seamlessly with the more experienced players like Olmo and Koundé. With such a commanding win, Barcelona look well poised for the challenges ahead.

The three other qualifiers will be decided in the games being played on Thursday: Athletic Club v Osasuna, Real Sociedad v Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid v Celta.

These games will be played as single legs, with the home team selected randomly, on February 4, 5 and 6. For Barça, the quarter finals will be squeezed between the league game at home to Alavés on February 2 and the visit to Sevilla’s Sánchez Pizjuán on a date yet to be confirmed.