Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered a dazzling performance as the Blaugrana demolished Real Betis 5-1 to secure their spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. Fresh off a dominant victory over Real Madrid, Hansi Flick’s side showed no signs of slowing down in a thrilling match at the Camp Nou.
Early Dominance
Barcelona wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Gavi opening the scoring in just the third minute. The young midfielder fired a low shot into the bottom corner after a clever assist from Dani Olmo. Olmo, recently cleared to play after navigating registration issues, came close to doubling the lead but was denied by Betis goalkeeper Fran Vieites and the post.
Jules Kounde added to Barcelona’s advantage in the 27th minute, blasting home from a delightful pass by Yamal. The French defender nearly grabbed a second goal in first-half stoppage time, but his effort was ruled offside. Despite VAR overturning two potential goals for offside, Barcelona maintained their relentless pressure.
Second-Half Brilliance
Raphinha, in red-hot form, made it 3-0 just before the hour mark with his 20th goal of the season. The Brazilian forward capitalized on another brilliant run by Yamal, who was the creative force throughout the game. Substitute Ferran Torres extended the lead in the 67th minute with a stunning volley in the box.
The night belonged to Yamal, who capped his performance with a well-deserved goal in the 75th minute, slotting the ball past Vieites to complete Barcelona’s dominant display. Betis managed a consolation goal through Vitor Roque, a Barcelona loanee, who converted a penalty in the 84th minute after Kounde fouled Jesus Rodriguez in the box. However, the late goal did little to dampen the Blaugrana’s commanding win.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
- Inaki Pena (7/10): Had a quiet night but made a crucial save to deny Roque in the first half. Nearly stopped the penalty but couldn’t keep it out.
- Jules Kounde (7/10): Scored a brilliant goal and came close to a second. Conceded a late penalty, slightly marring an otherwise solid display.
- Ronald Araujo (8/10): Stepped in for the injured Inigo Martinez and was flawless. Made several key sliding tackles.
- Pau Cubarsi (8/10): Formed a strong partnership with Araujo, delivering a composed and effective defensive performance.
- Gerard Martin (6/10): Reliable but less impactful compared to Alejandro Balde, who will likely reclaim his spot in the starting XI.
Midfield & Attack
- Gavi (8/10): Opened the scoring with a clinical finish and was dynamic throughout.
- Dani Olmo (7/10): Provided a crucial assist and was a constant threat before being denied by Vieites and the woodwork.
- Frenkie de Jong (8/10): Controlled the midfield and delivered an exquisite lofted pass that nearly resulted in a goal for Yamal.
- Raphinha (9/10): Continued his excellent form with a goal and tireless work on the right wing.
- Lamine Yamal (10/10): The star of the night. Provided two assists, scored a goal, and tormented the Betis defence with his skill and vision.
- Ferran Torres (8/10): Made an immediate impact as a substitute with a spectacular volley.
Conclusion
Barcelona’s emphatic victory showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. With Lamine Yamal leading the charge, the Blaugrana look poised to make a deep run in the Copa del Rey and maintain their momentum in domestic competitions.
