Ferran Torres delivered a first-half hat-trick as Barcelona demolished Valencia 5-0 at the Mestalla to book their spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. FermÃn López and Lamine Yamal also got on the scoresheet in a ruthless performance from Hansi Flick’s side.
Early Domination
The Catalan giants wasted no time, scoring just three minutes in when Alejandro Balde provided a pinpoint through ball, allowing Torres to finish coolly past Stole Dimitrievski.
The Spanish forward struck again in the 18th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Lamine Yamal’s shot hit the post. Though initially ruled offside, VAR overturned the decision, doubling Barcelona’s lead.
Things got worse for Valencia in the 22nd minute when Pedri set up FermÃn López, who calmly slotted home to make it 3-0.
Torres sealed his hat-trick just nine minutes later with a precise right-footed strike from Raphinha’s clever lay-off. His 30-minute treble was the fastest by a Barcelona player since Samuel Eto’o in 2008.
Second-Half Wrap-Up
Valencia thought they had pulled one back when Umar Sadiq found the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Yamal hit the post before finally scoring in the 74th minute, squeezing a low shot past Dimitrievski after another Raphinha assist.
Barcelona’s attacking firepower was on full display, with Flick’s team scoring in 19 of their 20 away games this season. Meanwhile, Valencia’s struggles continue, having conceded 14 goals in three meetings with Barcelona this season.
Man of the Match
With a sensational first-half hat-trick, Ferran Torres was deservedly named Player of the Match.
