Barcelona’s Impressive Hat Trick Leads to Copa del Rey Semifinals
MADRID (AP) — In a stunning display of form, Ferran Torres netted a hat trick within the first 30 minutes to propel Barcelona to a resounding 5-0 victory over Valencia, securing their place in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday. Torres, who previously played for both Valencia and Manchester City, was quick to acknowledge the early goals as a pivotal factor, stating, “We thought it was going to be a very difficult game but we were lucky enough to score early. That’s what got them down.” Despite the decisive win, Torres showed empathy toward his former club, expressing his hope that Valencia would avoid relegation. “I wish them all the luck, I hope they escape relegation because I’m just another fan. It’s hard to see the club of your life suffer like this. They’re having a really bad time,” he said.
Valencia’s Turbulent Season
Valencia’s current predicament is far from ideal, as the team finds itself second-to-last in the Spanish league and grappling with an off-the-field crisis. Fan protests against the club’s Singaporean owner, Peter Lim, have added to the pressures on the team. Just last season, Valencia was a strong contender, finishing as runner-up to Real Betis in the Copa del Rey. The club’s struggles are a stark contrast to its recent achievements, and the 5-0 defeat to Barcelona only adds to the mounting issues. The match at Valencia’s home was a continuation of the 7-1 rout that Barcelona inflicted less than two weeks ago in the Spanish league, highlighting the significant gap between the two teams.
Barcelona’s Recent Dominance
Barcelona’s journey to the Copa semifinals has been marked by a series of impressive performances. The Catalan club has outscored its opponents 26-11 in its last seven matches across all competitions, demonstrating a renewed sense of confidence and strength under their current management. This run of form is a positive sign for Barcelona supporters, as the team seeks to reclaim its dominance in both domestic and international competitions. The last time Barcelona reached the Copa semifinals was in the 2022-23 season, when they were eliminated by Real Madrid. Their last Copa del Rey title came in 2020-21, and the team is now well-positioned to challenge for the trophy once again.
Real Sociedad’s Steady Progress
In another significant match, Real Sociedad advanced to the semifinals by eliminating Osasuna with a 2-0 victory. Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Méndez both found the back of the net in the first half, securing the win for Sociedad. The match took a turn when Alejandro Catena of Osasuna was sent off with a straight red card in the 35th minute following an intervention by the video review system. This early setback further hampered Osasuna’s efforts to stage a comeback. Sociedad’s advancement is a repeat of last season’s success, where they won by the same score at Osasuna in the round of 16. The team hasn’t reached the last four since their third Copa title in 2019-20, making this a significant milestone in their ongoing campaign.
Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid’s Semifinal Berths
The semifinals are shaping up to be highly competitive, with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid already securing their spots. Real Madrid narrowly edged past Leganés with a dramatic 3-2 victory, thanks to a stoppage-time goal by the 20-year-old Gonzalo García. Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, didn’t face much resistance as they routed Getafe 5-0 at home on Tuesday. Both teams are known for their resilience and tactical acumen, and their presence in the semifinals adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. The matches to come will undoubtedly be intense, with each team vying for a place in the final and the prestigious title.
Looking Ahead: Barcelona’s Final Quarterfinal Match
As the Copa del Rey quarterfinals come to a close, Barcelona will face Valencia once more in their final match of this round on Thursday. This repeat encounter is a testament to Barcelona’s dominant form but also a poignant reminder of Valencia’s current struggles. The stakes are high, and fans on both sides will be watching closely to see if Barcelona can continue their winning streak or if Valencia can muster a surprise comeback. Regardless of the outcome, the semifinals promise to be a thrilling spectacle of top-tier Spanish football, with Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid all showcasing their talents and competitive spirit.
