Ferran Torres torpedoes Valencia as Barelona blitz into Copa semis

By SABC Sport
7th February 2025

Barcelona showcased their lethal firepower in a 5-0 thrashing of Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, propelling them into the semi-finals with style.

Hansi Flick, Barcelona's manager, expressed his delight at the performance, emphasizing the team's focus and hunger.

Ferran Torres was the star of the show, netting a sensational hat-trick in the first half. His goals came from a combination of sharp finishes and capitalizing on rebounds, demonstrating his clinical nature in front of goal.

Torres's performance was not just about scoring; it was a statement of intent from a player returning from injury.

Flick reflected on the match, stating, "We have a difficult few months ahead and it is important that all the players show their best form and how good they are."

He praised Torres specifically, "I am happy for Ferran, he scored three goals. It is fantastic. He has returned after an injury and I am happy for him."

The team's early dominance was clear as they scored four goals within the first 30 minutes. FermÃƒn Lopez and Lamine Yamal added to the scoreline, underlining Barcelona's attacking prowess.

Lopez's goal was a testament to the team's fluid movement, with Pedri providing a precise pass that Lopez converted with ease.

Barcelona's young squad has been on an impressive run, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions. This season, they have notched up 109 goals in 35 matches, averaging over three goals per game, showcasing their offensive capabilities.

Flick also highlighted the importance of the team's approach, "It was a very important win for us. I'm very happy for the team, for how we played. We created opportunities and scored from the start."

He further noted the team's youth and their focus on scoring, "That's how we want to play, the team is always hungry to go for more."

With this victory, Barcelona join Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Real Sociedad in the semi-finals, with the draw scheduled for Wednesday.

The match not only secured their place in the next round but also provided a clear signal of Barcelona's intent and capability under Flick's guidance. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, the performance against Valencia will be a significant boost to their confidence and morale.