FC Barcelona has advanced to the Copa del Rey semi-finals in dominant fashion. The Catalans dismantled Valencia 5-0 at Mestalla. It was another of Flick’s master class in attacking, as Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Yamal stole the show.
First Half: A Masterclass at Mestalla
Torres Ran the Barca Show
The Catalans wasted no time getting past Valencia’s shaky defence, and Torres was at the heart of it all. The former Valencia man netted a sensational hat-trick in the first 30 minutes. His first came from a line-breaking pass by Alex Balde, setting him up for a superb finish.
Torres had a muted celebration, showing respect to his former club(Getty Images/ GOAL)
The second goal was the pure instinct of the shark. He pounced on a rebound after Lamine’s shot struck the post. The third was the best of the lot: a composed finish with a nice assist from Raphinha. Ferran’s movement troubled the Valencia defence, as he constantly broke past them with his in-behind runs.
Pedri Pulled the Strings
The magical Pedri was the real architect behind Barca’s fluid attack in the first half. His fantastic vision and intelligence were displayed as he set up Fermin Lopez’s goal with a jaw-dropping assist. Pedri was also instrumental in building up Ferran’s third goal. His every touch oozed class, and he was a treat to watch once again.
Valencia’s Defensive Disaster
Valencia’s backline of three centre-backs looked utterly disoriented from the opening whistle. The defenders displayed poor positioning and a lack of urgency, as they did 11 days ago in the league. Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi were rock solid and kept Valencia’s attacking efforts to a minimum. Wojciech Szczesny was dominant in the air and pulled off a crucial save to keep his clean sheet intact.
The first half ended at 4-0. Barca was in complete control, and Valencia went down the tunnel bleeding heavily.
Second half: Cruise Control for Barca
Valencia Show Some Fight, but Barca Stay in Charge
The second half began with two changes for Barca: Inigo Martinez replaced Cubarsi, and Martin came in for Alex Balde. Valencia showed slightly more urgency and pressed higher. However, this lasted only for a few minutes. Barca held firmly onto possession and dictated the game.
Eric Garcia had a lapse, conceding a penalty, but was spared as the build-up was ruled offside. Lamine Yamal dazzled the defenders at the other end of the pitch, rattling the woodwork. The 17-year-old tormented Valencia’s Diakhaby and put on a fantastic display. Frenkie De Jong also deserves appreciation, as the Dutchman barely broke a sweat and bossed the midfield.
Yamal Puts Valencia Out of Their Misery
By the hour mark, Valencia’s leaky resistance crumbled completely. Raphinha set up Yamal, who struck a shot into the bottom corner into the goal. The keeper should have done better. The goal made it 5-0. Flick brought on Olmo for Raphinha, who had missed four games due to injury, and Marc Casado for the genius Pedri.
A Dominant Display: Barca’s Comfortable Victory
The game looked over, and Barcelona players played with complete freedom. Valencia struggled to hold possession while the visitors put on a show. Yamal and Olmo combined well and came close to a sixth goal. In the final 12 minutes, Jules Kounde made way for Hector Fort, who looked lively in his short cameo. Fort deserves more playing time.
The once-hostile Mestalla witnessed a humiliating night for Valencia as the Blaugrana strolled to a dominant 5-0 victory. It was a walk in the park for Flick’s side in this single-leg tie.