If anyone doubted Barcelona's firepower this season, the 5-0 demolition of Valencia was an answer. It was a massacre. And what makes it even more impressive? The match was over after practically one half.
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Hansi Flick's side were merciless in repeating the script, having already routed Valencia 7-1 in January. Sharp and ruthless, Ferran Torres got a hat-trick in his statement performance, while Fermín López and Lamine Yamal joined the party to seal the spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals for Barça.
Man of the moment
If there's one player who defines this phase of Barcelona, it's Ferran Torres. The forward has become red-hot with 10 goals in 25 matches this season. His hat-trick against Valencia wasn't just another stat; it was proof that he's turning into a game-changer.
His numbers place him among the most efficient goal-scorers in Europe's top five leagues, netting one goal every 93 minutes. By comparison, the fourth-best on that list is Robert Lewandowski, who scores every 85 minutes.
At this rate, Ferran is on course to beat his best scoring season. He has already equalled his 11-goal haul from 2021/22 when he was shared between Manchester City and Barcelona, and with almost half the campaign still left, those numbers could go through the roof.
Unstoppable Barcelona?
What Barcelona's performance showed against Valencia, mostly, is that they do not need to be at their best to take teams apart. This was not one of the better performances of the season, and they still managed to crush a Valencia that had arrived hoping for some sort of redemption.
Put succinctly afterwards by Hansi Flick: "This team is hungry."
It was a hunger that is terrifying for any opponent. Barcelona wants more, and with every game, they made it well known.
The only big question now is whether this level of quality would be kept against stronger teams. Real Madrid or Atlético de Madrid will need much more in the next round.
Three key players responsible for the pace of this rout at Mestalla were Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres, and Fermín López.
Hansi Flick was asked about their performance and didn't hold back: "It's important that everyone plays at their best. We performed really well against Valencia, and I'm happy for Ferran — he scored three goals. He was out with an injury and came back strong."
Valencia's nightmare won't end
This defeat, though, was a little more than just a bad result; it was a full-blown reality check for Valencia. If the 7-1 humiliation in January wasn't painful enough, this latest blow cements the gap between them and Barcelona.
Coach Carlos Corberán made nine lineup changes, resting first-team players with an eye on league survival rather than an improbable cup run. Still, Valencia fans arrived at Mestalla clinging to hope of an upset.
That hope lasted three minutes. First attack, first goal for Barcelona. Game over.
The fact is that Valencia never had any chances. Barcelona dominated from the first to the last minute without ever having to shift into top gear.
What's next for Barcelona?
Two back-to-back victories sealed Barcelona's path into the Copa del Rey semifinal and thrust them into the very important part of the season. Hansi Flick steadied the ship, and this team starts to take real shape in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
The semifinal draw on February 12 will be their next test: Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, or Real Sociedad. Whatever the case might be, there is one sure thing: Barcelona is on the roll with the confidence of being dominant and more hungry for triumphs.