Ferran Torres netted a first-half hat-trick to propel Barcelona to a 5-3 victory over Real Betis, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points.
Coming into the clash at Estadio La Cartuja just one point ahead of rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona were stunned early as former Manchester United winger Antony opened the scoring for Betis in the sixth minute – his fifth goal of the season.
However, Betis’ advantage was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Torres finished off a slick Barcelona move with a close-range tap-in to equalise.
The Spaniard then completed a quick turnaround with a superb volley just two minutes later to put Barça in front.
Twenty-year-old Swedish winger Roony Bardghji netted his first La Liga goal to give Barcelona greater control, finishing smartly at the near post from Pedri’s assist after 30 minutes.
Ferran Torres then completed his hat-trick – the third of his career – with a well-placed strike from outside the box five minutes before halftime, pushing the score to 4-1.
Barcelona stayed on the front foot after the break and were awarded a controversial penalty following a VAR review, which judged Marc Bartra’s block to have struck his hand. Lamine Yamal calmly converted, marking his sixth goal of the season.
Diego Llorente pulled one back for Betis in the 85th minute, and a late penalty from Cucho Hernandez – after Jules Kounde fouled Abde Ezzalzouli – reduced the deficit further, but Barça held on for a 5-3 win.
