Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered a stunning performance as his side demolished Real Betis 5-1 on Wednesday, securing a spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. The 17-year-old scored and contributed to two more goals in a dominant display at the Olympic Stadium.
Joining them in the last eight, Atletico Madrid extended their winning streak to 15 games across all competitions with a commanding 4-0 victory over second-division Elche.
Barcelona’s victory was spearheaded by Yamal’s electrifying performance. Gavi opened the scoring in just the second minute, capitalising on a neat team move initiated by Dani Olmo, who started as a false nine in place of the rested Robert Lewandowski.
Jules Kounde doubled the lead after receiving a deft assist from Yamal, whose creativity tormented Betis throughout the match. Although Kounde’s second goal was disallowed for offside, Barcelona’s relentless attacking saw Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Yamal add to the tally.
Yamal’s solo effort in the second half, cutting in from the right wing and finishing clinically at the near post, capped a sensational evening for the young winger. Betis managed a consolation goal via a late penalty converted by Vitor Roque.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and midfielder Gavi were full of praise for Yamal. Gavi went as far as to call him the best player in the world after Lionel Messi. Flick, jokingly agreeing, said, “In great matches, you see big talent, and he has shown it many times.”
Yamal, who also starred in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, now has nine goals and 13 assists this season, solidifying his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid cruised to victory against Elche despite resting key players like Antoine Griezmann. Alexander Sorloth’s first-half brace set the tone, while Rodrigo Riquelme and Julian Alvarez added to the scoreline after Elche were reduced to 10 men early in the second half.
On Thursday, Real Madrid face Celta Vigo, while defending champions Athletic Bilbao take on Osasuna, as the Copa del Rey quarter-final lineup takes shape.
