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Barcelona, the newly minted Spanish Super Cup champions, faced off against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey’s round of 16, and the outcome was a resounding victory for the Catalan side. Barcelona’s performance was a testament to their clinical prowess, as they dispatched their opponents with ease.
Hansi Flick’s tactical approach involved moderate rotation of his starting lineup, with key players being substituted out relatively early in the game. Despite this, Barcelona still managed to secure a convincing win, scoring five goals in the process.
The goals were evenly distributed among Barcelona’s players, with Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde, Ferran Torres, and Gavi all finding the back of the net. This dominant display allowed Barcelona to advance to the quarterfinals, leaving Real Betis in their wake.
Real Betis’ sole consolation came in the form of a late penalty, converted by Vitor Roque. This minor reprieve did little to mitigate the overall disappointment of their defeat.
Inaki Pena: 8
The opening 45 minutes saw Pena relegated to a spectator role, as Real Betis failed to pose a significant threat, barely venturing into Barcelona’s penalty area.
Pena’s inactivity was short-lived, however, as he was called upon in extra time and responded with a spectacular save, preserving Barcelona’s 2-0 advantage and demonstrating his exceptional reflexes.
Pena’s performance extended beyond his impressive shot-stopping, as he also showcased significant growth in his ability to distribute the ball effectively and make decisive runs out of the box, highlighting his increasing comfort and confidence in possession.
Gerard Martin: 7
Gerard Martin turned in a middle-of-the-road performance as the substitute left-back, stepping in for the absent Alejandro Balde.
Martin’s work rate was evident as he patrolled the left flank, frequently making runs down the wing and showing decent ball distribution skills.
Pau Cubarsi: 8
The teenage defender produced a breathtaking display against Real Betis, showcasing exceptional ball control and distribution skills without sacrificing any defensive solidity.
In the second half, the young defender made several breathtaking interceptions, expertly cutting off opposition attacks and denying Real Betis any meaningful scoring opportunities.
Ronald Araujo: 8
The captain made a highly anticipated return to the starting lineup against Real Betis, and he did not disappoint, displaying a well-rounded performance that showcased his skills in various aspects of the game.
He appeared to be in mid-season form, exhibiting no signs of rustiness, and instead demonstrated authority and precision with his passing. Defensively, he was his usual resolute self, employing his characteristic no-nonsense approach to snuff out Real Betis’ attacking threats and leave them with limited opportunities.
Jules Kounde: 9
The French player delivered a standout performance at Montjuic, forming a formidable attacking duo down the right flank alongside Yamal. He combined with the youngster to set up a spectacular volley for Barcelona’s second goal, and then attempted an equally impressive finish in the waning moments of the first half.
Although his second goal was ultimately disallowed due to a marginal offside call, the French player’s attacking prowess was on full display. However, he did concede a penalty late in the game for a minor foul, a rare blemish on an otherwise impressive outing.
Pedri: 8.5
Pedri exuded confidence and poise on the ball, seamlessly adapting to his role as a pivot in the absence of Marc Casado. He assumed additional defensive duties, often dropping deep, yet still managed to dictate the tempo of the game and pick out precise passes to dissect the Real Betis defense.
Frenkie de Jong: 7.5
The Dutch player made the starting lineup against Real Betis and turned in a solid, if unspectacular, performance in midfield. He formed a sturdy double-pivot partnership with Pedri.
In terms of his positioning, the Dutch player adopted a pragmatic approach, often holding back to prevent potential counter-attacks. His passing was characterized by accuracy rather than creativity, as he focused on maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
Gavi: 9
Deployed as the third midfielder, Gavi was afforded the liberty to push forward and exploit attacking opportunities, thriving in his role alongside the creative triumvirate of Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal.
Gavi played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s attacking forays, frequently utilizing his one-touch passing ability to unlock the opposition’s defense and making intelligent runs behind the backline to create scoring opportunities.
He capped off an impressive display by scoring Barcelona’s opening goal in the 3rd minute, showcasing his clinical finishing skills with a delicate touch and precise finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Dani Olmo: 9
Coach Flick’s decision to utilize Dani Olmo as a false nine proved to be a masterstroke, yielding impressive results that may lead to this tactical approach being adopted more frequently in the future.
By positioning himself centrally, Olmo effectively filled the void left by Robert Lewandowski, but instead of making runs into the box, he operated from deeper positions, facilitating buildup play and drawing defenders out of position to create space for his teammates. This unorthodox strategy paid dividends when Olmo provided the assist for Gavi’s opening goal.
Olmo’s creative influence continued throughout the match, as he delivered a sublime pass over the top of the defense to set up Ferran Torres’ goal in the 66th minute, earning his second assist of the night and further highlighting the effectiveness of his false nine role.
Lamine Yamal: 9.5
Lamine Yamal delivered an outstanding performance, even by his exceptionally high standards, as he started on the right flank and consistently posed a threat whenever he gained possession of the ball. Although he wasn’t heavily involved in the team’s buildup play, he showcased his exceptional skill and creativity whenever called upon.
Yamal’s impact on the game was undeniable, and he was unfairly denied a goal in the second half due to a marginal offside decision that occurred an astonishing 21 seconds prior to his score. Undeterred, he instantly responded by initiating a penetrating run into the Real Betis area, which ultimately led to his team’s third goal. His persistence paid off as he eventually scored a well-crafted goal.
Yamal’s goal-scoring effort came as part of Barcelona’s fifth goal of the game, capping off an impressive individual display that highlighted his game-changing abilities and cemented his status as a key player for the team.
Raphinha: 9
Barcelona’s Brazilian player had a relatively subdued first half, often finding himself positioned further away from the goal on the left flank for much of the period. This deeper role limited his involvement in attacking plays, resulting in a quieter-than-usual opening 45 minutes.
In the second half, however, he adopted a more central role, which ultimately led to his decisive contribution: scoring Barcelona’s third goal. The opportunity arose when Lamine Yamarena’s shot rebounded, and the Brazilian player seized the chance, reacting swiftly to capitalize on the loose ball and find the back of the net.
Ferran Torres: 7.5
The player made a profound impact off the bench, scoring Barcelona’s fourth goal with a breathtaking volley that effectively put the game out of reach for the opposition, sealing a convincing victory for his team.
