First since Messi: Ferran Torres breaks Barcelona jinx with Real Betis goal

Barcelona’s sensational win over Real Betis put the Blaugrana top of LaLiga, but the fixture also saw fans of the club end their long wait for a goal from a direct freekick. 

Before the match against Real Betis, Barcelona had waited for 867 days since they last witnessed a goal from a direct free kick when Messi scored one against Valencia. 

The Blaugrana had to sit through 41 attempts from deadball situations over the course of two years before they found some joy in that department through Spanish winger Ferran Torres. 

The former Manchester City man curled a brilliant effort into the back of the net from a direct freekick for Barcelona in their 5-0 rout of Real Betis to finally break the jinx over the Catalan club. 

Torres’ effort was part of a brilliant team performance from Barcelona as they blew away Real Betis to go top of the table for the time being. 

In addition to Torres’ goal, there were also goals from Robert Lewandowski and Raphina, but the true plaudits were shared by the new boys, who also got on the score sheet. 

Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix both netted their first goals for Barcelona during the wi over Betis, and in the process became the first Portuguese duo ever to score for Barcelona in the same match in LaLiga.