Barcelona marked the tone very early in this match and dominated Betis in a 5-1 score to advance into the Copa del Rey quarterfinals at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Spearheaded by an outstanding Lamine Yamal, with one goal and an assist, this team brought high-level soccer to the pitch, blending the talent of the kids with the experience of the pros.
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A dominating display
Barcelona dominated from the very beginning, and the stats reflect that. With 71% of the ball, they set the rhythm and managed to turn control into clear chances. Koundé scored the first goal after a precise pass by Yamal, while the second was a collective effort that destroyed Betis' defense.
The dynamics remained the same in the second half. Barcelona's intensity made it hard for Betis to react. First Raphinha finished sharply, then Ferrán Torres did so with an abundance of pure opportunism, before Yamal's goal, at first flagged for offside, was confirmed as the fifth of the night by VAR. The youngster, just 17, was a whirlwind in attack, leading all players in the match in dribbles while creating the best chances, surprisingly mature.
The difference maker
At 17, Yamal has proved that his influence on Barcelona's first team is anything but a passing fad: the dictator of the attack against Betis, he was always the one to play that decisive pass to his teammates in attack and create a threat against the opposition. His seasonal stats-nine goals and 12 assists-explain why he is one of Hansi Flick's most important players.
Knowing how potentially exceptional he is, his coach underscored careful development. "He's in outstanding form, but we need to take care of him," observed Flick. It is crystal clear that this club is bent on grooming this Yamal amidst his setting and solidifying the pillars into a squad interwoven by youth and experience.
Collective dominance and fans' support
This emphatic victory brought into light the collective might of Barcelona. Pedri dictated the flow from midfield, while Araujo anchored the defense with strong authority. Up front, Raphinha and Ferran Torres made sure the few chances created upfront were converted into goals in testimony to the team's cohesion.
The fans at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys did their part, too. From the first whistle, the atmosphere pushed the team forward, something Flick acknowledged in his post-match comments. The win meant 104 goals scored at home this season and underlined the offensive power of the blaugranas.
Focus
Barcelona now switches focus to La Liga, where it will welcome Getafe ahead of Sunday's Copa del Rey quarterfinal draw, and Flick stated that consistency is the key: ""We are going step by step and now we want to win at Getafe."