December 06, (THEWILL) — Barcelona extended their advantage at the summit of LaLiga to four points following a dramatic 5-3 victory against Real Betis at La Cartuja. Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick in the first half to lead the Catalan side to three points despite a nervy conclusion.
Betis took an early lead through Antony, who finished from close range after six minutes following a scramble inside the penalty area. Torres responded quickly with two goals in quick succession, first converting from Jules Kounde’s delivery before slotting a low effort between the goalkeeper’s legs. Roony Bardghji then marked his maiden goal for the club with a powerful weak-foot strike into the top corner just past the half-hour.
Torres completed his treble five minutes before half-time when his long-range attempt deflected beyond Alvaro Valles. Lamine Yamal added a fifth from the penalty spot after Marc Bartra was judged to have handled the ball following a VAR review.
Hansi Flick’s team appeared comfortable before Betis mounted a late surge. Diego Llorente pulled one back five minutes from time, turning in Abde Ezzalzouli’s flick. Kounde then conceded a penalty which Cucho Hernandez converted, setting up a tense finale.
Barcelona held firm to claim maximum points and strengthen their position at the top of the Spanish top flight.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
