Ferran Torres delivered a sensational first-half hat-trick as Barcelona crushed Valencia to secure a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, with a rating of 9.1.
According to BBC Sport, the 24-year-old forward's hat-trick was the fastest by any Barcelona player since Samuel Eto’o netted three in 24 minutes against Almeria in 2008. His clinical finishing set the tone for Barca’s dominant display, with Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal also getting on the scoresheet.
Torres’ Impactful Performance
Minutes played: 90'
Goals: 3
Shots on target: 3/3
Touches: 30
Pass accuracy: 70% (14/20)
Facing his former club, Torres wasted no time, opening the scoring within three minutes. He doubled the lead after reacting quickly to a rebound off the post from a Yamal strike. Lopez made it 3-0 on a counter-attack before Torres completed his hat-trick by the half-hour mark. Yamal sealed the 5-0 rout just after the break.
Barcelona, record 31-time Spanish Cup winners, continue their strong cup run under Hansi Flick. With Robert Lewandowski rested, Torres stepped up to lead the attack in style.
Real Sociedad also advanced to the last four with a 2-0 win over Osasuna, joining Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
Torres' performance reaffirms his importance to the team, and his red-hot form could be a game-changer for Barcelona in their pursuit of silverware this season.