Player Ratings: Torres 10, with a hat-trick to seal dramatic Barcelona victory

Barcelona overcame Betis in a thrilling encounter, with Torres scoring a hat-trick to help secure a crucial victory.

After conceding an early goal, Barcelona quickly responded with two goals from Torres, taking a 2-1 lead. Bardghji and another Torres strike extended their advantage before halftime, seemingly putting them in control.

A controversial VAR penalty decision, converted by Lamine Yamal, further solidified Barcelona’s lead.

Despite a late rally from Betis, who scored two goals through Diego Llorente and Juan Hernandez, Barcelona held on. This win sees Barcelona move four points clear of Real at the top of the league table.

Barcelona Player Ratings 

Joan Garcia (Goalkeeper): 7.5

The goalkeeper delivered a solid performance, particularly in terms of his positioning and ball distribution. He was generally faultless for the initial goal conceded, which arose from a chaotic situation, and otherwise had little to do for large parts of the game thanks to the team’s dominant attacking display.

Jules Kounde (Right-Back): 8

The defender produced one of his most impressive outings of the season. Operating from the right side, his offensive contributions were vital, including providing the cross that set up Ferran Torres’s first goal to immediately bring the Blaugrana level after an early setback.

Gerard Martin (Centre-Back): 7.5

Martin provided a dependable presence in the heart of the defense, executing critical clearances and timely interceptions to maintain the backline’s cohesion. He also distinguished himself with a noteworthy passing range, frequently looking to initiate attacks with long balls toward the final third.

Pau Cubarsi (Centre-Back): 7

The young defender captained the back line, performing crucial recoveries and clearances throughout the contest. While he exhibited some moments of uncertainty, his impressive distribution skills were on display as usual, partnering effectively with his defensive teammates.

Alejandro Balde (Left-Back): 7

The full-back played the opening 45 minutes of the match, displaying good combination play with his winger on the left flank. His high attacking position meant he was sometimes left exposed defensively, but overall, his display was competent before being substituted at halftime.

Pedri (Midfield): 8

The midfielder was central to the team’s creative flow, especially in the first half surge. He delivered a delightful through ball that set up Roony Bardghji’s goal and was generally instrumental in linking the defense to the explosive attack.

Frenkie De Jong (Midfield): 7

(Based on match flow) The midfielder played a steady and controlled game, ensuring ball progression and possession dominance in the center of the park. His reliable presence was key to allowing the attacking players the freedom to push forward and exploit space.

Lamine Yamal (Right-Wing): 8

The young superstar made a significant contribution to the scoreline, coolly converting a second-half penalty to extend Barcelona’s advantage to 5-1. He constantly posed a threat and continued to be a dynamic force in the attacking unit.

Roony Bardghji (Left-Wing): 9

In a rare starting opportunity, the young winger was sensational, scoring one goal and being instrumental in at least two others. He capped off his outing with a brilliant strike on his weaker right foot and showcased electric dribbling ability that troubled the Betis defense.

Ferran Torres (Striker): 10

The forward delivered a perfect performance, earning the top rating for a match in which he scored a spectacular hat-trick. He turned the game around almost single-handedly with two goals in quick succession and secured his treble with a shot from outside the box that deflected in, emphatically taking his chance in the starting lineup.