Ferran Torres turned a tricky night into a statement win. With a ruthless first-half hat-trick, the Barcelona forward powered his side past Real Betis, 5-3, in a game that had everything: goals, swagger, and a late twist to keep hearts racing. It was Barcelona’s sixth league win in a row and it stretched their lead at the top of La Liga to four points. Betis’ eight-match unbeaten run is over. The title race, though, just got a little more real.

Torres takes over: the hat-trick that set the tone

Torres scored three times before the break — on 11, 13, and 40 minutes — to flip the match after Barcelona had fallen behind. The pick of the bunch was his third: an ambitious strike from about 20 yards that took a nick and beat Betis goalkeeper Valles just before halftime. It was the punch that knocked the air out of the visitors.

His first two goals showed the variety in his game. The movement, the timing, the clean finishes. Analysts praised his dribbling and short passing, noting how rare it is to see a forward in his role blend both calm playmaking and sharp, direct runs. This was the version of Torres Barcelona hoped for. This is the player Spain will lean on too.

“Is Ferran Torres now Barca’s go-to match-winner?”

Barcelona vs Real Betis: goals, swings, and a scoreboard that never rested

Betis struck first. Antony needed only six minutes to silence the home crowd, slipping in the opener after a quick break. That could have rattled Barcelona. Instead, it woke them up.

Torres equalized and then put Barcelona ahead in a two-minute burst. Confidence flooded the team. On a rare start, Roony Bardghji added the third on 31 minutes, finishing a move that showed Barcelona’s quick passing and smart movement. At 4-1 by the break, following Torres’ long-range effort, it felt like a clinic in attacking football.

After halftime, Lamine Yamal stepped up from the spot on 59 minutes to make it 5-1. The teenager’s cool finish underlined his growing trust inside the squad. Betis refused to fold, though. Diego Llorente pulled one back in the 85th minute, and Cucho Hernández scored a penalty at 90 to push the final to 5-3. The late surge made the scoreline look tight, and it also left Barcelona with a reminder: great teams close games without drama.

“Great attack — but can Barca tighten the back line?”

Why it mattered: the win, the streak, and the table

This result did more than add three points. It confirmed Barcelona’s form and their identity under Hansi Flick. Six straight league wins have put them four points clear at the top. Real Madrid can cut that gap to one point depending on their next match, so nothing is settled. But momentum is firmly with Barcelona right now, and Villarreal are watching, too, ready to squeeze any slip.

Betis’ eight-game unbeaten run is done, and this defeat may sting because they competed until the end. Still, losing away at the league leaders while scoring three offers some positives. They kept pushing and found late goals. The truth, though? Torres’ burst had already decided it.

Flick’s plan: rotation, trust, and just enough control

Hansi Flick read the night well. With the game in hand at 5-1 and a busy schedule ahead, the coach rotated in the second half to rest key players. It was a smart call, even if the rhythm dropped and Betis found a way back onto the scoreboard. The trade-off was clear: fresh legs for the next challenge, and a small defensive note to fix on the training ground.

Analysts applauded Barcelona’s calm response after conceding early. The pass-and-move patterns were crisp, and the front line moved Betis around with pace and purpose. When the team plays at this speed, they look like the most dangerous attack in Spain. The next step is reducing the soft chances they give up late.

“Yamal taking that penalty says everything about trust.”

Player spotlights: who changed the game

Ferran Torres: The headline act. Three first-half goals, different types of finishes, and a constant threat between the lines. He drove the team and lifted the crowd.

Lamine Yamal: A cool penalty at a key moment in the second half. He gave width, won duels, and showed why the staff keeps believing in him.

Roony Bardghji: On a rare start, he took his chance well with a composed finish for Barcelona’s third. His timing in the box was sharp and his off-ball work helped open lanes for Torres.

Antony: The early goal had Betis dreaming. His speed and direct play were a problem in the opening spell, and he reminded Barcelona that the first punch matters.

Diego Llorente and Cucho Hernández: Their late goals showed Betis’ fight. They turned a possible rout into a scoreline that felt more balanced.

What the analysts are saying

Across major outlets, the praise was clear: Barcelona put on an attacking show. ESPN analysts highlighted Torres’ blend of dribbling and passing in a role that often values only one or the other. They also pointed to his rising importance, both for Barcelona and for Spain. The attack looked flexible, with runners from wide and midfield layers feeding the striker lanes.

At the same time, the verdict included a warning. Conceding three goals, even in a win, leaves work to do. Flick will know that. The best teams keep their foot down and close the door. Barcelona did the first part for 70 minutes. They will want the second part next time.

Title-race picture: pressure applied

With this win, Barcelona put pressure on Real Madrid, who can still reduce the gap to a single point depending on how they perform in their next match. Every weekend now carries weight. Villarreal remain close behind, ready to punish any stumble. The key for Barcelona will be balance: keep the cutting edge that shredded Betis in the first half, and add the control that kills late rallies.

Conclusion: Torres sets the pace, Barcelona set the bar

Barcelona didn’t just win; they made a statement about who they are right now. Torres is in form, the attack is flowing, and the team can turn a bad start into a big result. Yes, the late goals against are a note of caution. But the bigger note is this: six straight wins, top of the table, and a forward in hot form.

Keep that mix, and the title race will run through Barcelona. Real Madrid will answer. Betis will reset. For now, Torres’ hat-trick is the story that carries weight. It changed the game, it changed the mood, and it might just shape the months to come.