Real Betis vs Barcelona: 8 goals scored as Blaugrana side-step Heliopolitans to strengthen league lead

A Ferran Torres first-half hattrick helped Barcelona open a healthy margin; however, they rested on their laurels and Real Betis threatened a comeback in the 5–3 victory.

Real Betis threw the first punch, with Antony beating Barcelona's offside trap to beat Joan Garcia. However a Ferran Torres hat-trick and Roony Bardji's ferocious strike ensured Barcelona went into the break 4-1 ahead.

Lamine Yamal scored a penalty in the 59th minute to make it 5-1 and Barcelona seemed home and hosed, before goals from Diego Llorente and Cucho Hernandez set up a frenetic end.

The match exploded into life early. Betis stunned Barcelona in the 6th minute when Antony diverted home from close range to give the hosts an advantage.

However, Barça responded with urgency and brutality. In the 11th minute, Ferran Torres equalised with a clean finish from inside the box, and just two minutes later, he got on the end of Roony’s cross to make it 2-1. The Swedish winger turned scorer from provider in the 31st minute, rifling home with his right foot after an incisive Pedri through ball.

Torres was not done: in the 40th minute, he completed his first-half hat-trick from a fortuitous deflection to ensure Barcelona went into the break 4–1 up.

Just before the hour mark, Barcelona were handed a controversial penalty decision after ex-boy Marc Bartra was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Lamine Yamal coolly converted the spot kick to make it 5–1 and seemingly wrap up the win.

Even with a three-goal cushion, Barcelona allowed the game to open up. In the final five minutes Betis struck twice: first Diego Llorente hammered home to make it 5–2, then deep in stoppage time Cucho Hernández scored from the spot to make it 5–3 after Jules Kounde’s clumsy tackle on Abde, setting up a frantic closing minute.

Despite the late pressure, Barcelona’s defence, including timely interventions from goalkeeper Joan García, held firm, and the final whistle confirmed a dramatic, high-scoring win.