Barcelona’s Dominant Victory Secures Quarterfinal Spot in Copa Del Rey
Barcelona’s young talent, Lamine Yamal, shined brightly as the Blaugrana defeated Real Betis 5-1 in the early hours of Thursday (16/1/2025) to secure their spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. The Muslim Barcelona player scored one goal and provided two assists in the victory at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.
A Spectacular Performance by Barcelona
Following their impressive 5-2 victory over city rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, Barcelona did not even need to exert all their strength to overcome another LaLiga team, Betis. Coach Hansi Flick rested key players like Robert Lewandowski, Marc Casado, and Alejandro Balde. Gavi opened the scoring in the third minute, tapping in a low cross from Dani Olmo, before Jules Kounde extended their lead in the 27th minute with a close-range volley after an impressive cross from Yamal.
After two goals were disallowed by VAR for offside, Raphinha scored Barca’s third goal in the 58th minute from a counterattack initiated by Yamal. Substitute Ferran Torres added the fourth goal in the 67th minute with a shot from inside the box after receiving a cross from Olmo. Yamal then sealed the victory with the fifth goal from a quick counterattack in the 75th minute. Vitor Roque scored a consolation goal for Betis from the penalty spot in the 84th minute to reduce the deficit to 1-5.
Other Results in Copa Del Rey
In other Copa del Rey matches, Getafe defeated Pontevedra 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Alvaro Rodriguez. Getafe finished the match with only nine players after Rodriguez was sent off in the 41st minute for punching an opponent in the face, and Diego Rico received a second yellow card in stoppage time. Leganes came from behind to eliminate division two leaders Almeria with a 3-2 victory, while Atletico Madrid defeated Elche 4-0.
Valencia advanced by beating third division team Ourense 2-0, setting up quarterfinal clashes with eight La Liga teams. Athletic Bilbao will face Osasuna, and Real Sociedad will take on Rayo Vallecano in the remaining round of 16 matches on Friday early morning WIB.
Source: Reuters
