In a dazzling display of football, FC Barcelona emphatically secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, inflicting a severe 5-1 defeat on Real Betis, days after their Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid. The match, held at the Montjuic Stadium on January 16, highlighted the offensive power of the Catalan giants, who outclassed their opponents.
FC Barcelona were quick to establish their dominance, with goals from Gavi and Jules Koundé in the first quarter of an hour. Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and young star Lamine Yamal added goals in the second half, ensuring a clear victory.
Defender Pau Cubarsí said: “We wanted to maintain the momentum from our Super Cup success and put on a show for our fans at home. We will keep our foot on the accelerator, and the Christmas break seemed to have perked us up.” Indeed, this victory marked FC Barcelona’s fourth consecutive success, a necessary turnaround after suffering two previous defeats in 2024.
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The match also saw new arrival Dani Olmo stand out, having been saved at the last minute following prolonged negotiations with the Spanish league and federation over a missed deadline. Olmo set up Gavi’s early shot in the third minute, while Yamal provided the assist for Koundé’s goal shortly after.
Although Koundé thought he would add another goal during first-half stoppage time, it was controversially ruled out for offside after VAR intervention. Yamal was also disappointed to see a similar goal canceled out early in the second half.
FC Barcelona finally found their offensive rhythm when Raphinha scored the third goal in the 58th minute, breaking away from the Betis defense. Ferran Torres, who had just come on as a substitute, quickly scored the fourth goal in the 67th minute, before Yamal completed the scoring in the 75th minute with a brilliant individual run.
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Vitor Roque managed to reduce the deficit for Real Betis by converting a penalty in the 84th minute, but that was only consolation.
Atlético Madrid continues its winning streak
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid showed their own strength, crushing second division side Elche 4-0 while resting several key players. This victory extended their incredible winning streak to 15 matches in all competitions, a new record for the club.
Alexander Sorloth was decisive in the match, scoring from close range in the eighth minute and then converting a penalty in the 29th. Rodrigo Riquelme also scored a spectacular goal from distance in the 61st minute, and Julián Álvarez added the final goal in the 75th minute, securing a comfortable victory.
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Elche, reduced to ten men after Nicolás Fernández received a second yellow card, struggled to contain an Atlético side that showed no signs of letting up.
Other highlights from the round of 16
In other matches, Getafe beat Pontevedra 1-0 with a goal from Álvaro Rodríguez just two minutes after kick-off, despite the match ending at ten men. Leganés secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Almeria, thanks to a late goal from Diego García.
As the round of 16 continues, defending champions Athletic Bilbao are set to host Osasuna, while Real Madrid will take on Celta Vigo, promising even more thrilling Copa del Rey action.
