Ferran Torres netted a first-half hat-trick to propel Barcelona to a four-point advantage at the top of La Liga with a 5-3 victory against Real Betis.
Barcelona entered the match at Estadio La Cartuja one point ahead of rivals Real Madrid but fell behind after six minutes when former Manchester United winger Antony netted his fifth goal of the season.
However, Betis’ advantage lasted for just five minutes. Torres completed a well-executed Barcelona play by scoring from a short distance to equalize the game.
Two minutes later, Torres put Barcelona in front with an excellent volleyed goal from inside the area.
Twenty-year-old Swedish winger Roony Bardghji netted his inaugural La Liga goal to extend Hansi Flick’s team’s lead after thirty minutes, connecting with Pedri’s assist to score at the near post.
The ex-Manchester City striker completed his third career hat trick five minutes prior to halftime with a skillfully directed shot from beyond the area to bring the score to 4-1.
Barcelona pressed on in the second half and were controversially given a penalty after the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled that Marc Bartra’s block had touched his hand.
Lamine Yamal casually scored the penalty for his sixth goal this season, followed by Diego Llorente extending it to 5-2 in the 85th minute.
Betis improved the score when Jules Kounde fouled Abde Ezzalzouli in the penalty area, and Cucho Hernandez calmly converted the penalty in the 90th minute.
