FC Barcelona put in an emphatic performance at Mestalla to defeat Valencia CF 5-0 and secure their place in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. In a match where the Culés dominated from start to finish, Ferran Torres shone with three goals against his former team, while Fermín López and Lamine Yamal completed the rout.
The result not only highlighted the differences between the two teams, but also provoked the anger of the Valencianista fans, who booed their manager and left the stadium before the final whistle.
Barça off to a flying start
From the first minutes, Barcelona made it clear that they were looking for the victory. Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a precise definition after a great pass from Alejandro Balde. Far from being satisfied, the Culés continued to press and found the second goal when Lamine Yamal crashed a shot against the post, leaving the rebound for Ferran to send it into the back of the net.
The azulgrana domination was absolute. With a midfield led by Pedri and Raphinha, Hansi Flick's team moved the ball with precision and found space with ease. Before Valencia could react, Fermín López made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute with a great individual play that left goalkeeper Dimitrievski with no options.
Mestalla fell silent as Barça continued to attack without mercy.
Ferran's 'Mascletà' And Valencianista Despair
Ferran Torres didn't hold back and before the half-hour mark he had already sealed his hat-trick with a classy goal inside the box. Without exaggerated celebrations, the ex-Valencianista showed respect for his former fans, but that didn't stop Mestalla from exploding in anger. The boos began to be directed at the box, with some of the fans calling for the resignation of club owner Peter Lim.
Valencia tried to react, but their attack lacked clarity. Umar Sadiq, who came on in the second half, had two chances to score, but both were disallowed for offside.
The frustration was evident in the local players, who could not find a way to stop a Barcelona team that continued to control the game with total tranquility.
Lamine Yamal Closes the Azulgrana Festival
The fifth goal came in the 59th minute courtesy of Lamine Yamal, who took advantage of a mistake by goalkeeper Dimitrievski to seal the win. From then on, Barça slowed the pace, managing their lead without taking unnecessary risks.
Flick took advantage of the comfortable situation to give minutes to players like Dani Olmo and Marc Casadó, while Valencia just waited for the end of the game to avoid further humiliation.
Mestalla, which was full at the beginning of the match, gradually emptied. The home fans, tired of the constant defeats and the team's direction, left the stadium before the final whistle. Meanwhile, the few Barça fans in the stands celebrated with chants and "olés" (cheers) every pass their team made.
Sacrebleu! Are you going for the goal-scoring mummies in the Ligue 1 MATCHUP? 🇫🇷🔥#Monaco have only won in three of their last 10 meetings with #PSG, who have #OusmaneDembelé very much on fire.
Will both teams score, play now! ➡ https://t.co/HCS0drbkft pic.twitter.com/eVF5c4HTAJ
- Betcris (@Betcris) February 7, 2025
Unstoppable Barça and Valencia in Crisis
With this victory, FC Barcelona joins Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, keeping their title hopes alive. Flick's team continues to show remarkable improvement and is emerging as a serious candidate to lift the trophy.
On the other hand, Valencia closed a night to forget. With permanence in LaLiga as their priority, the team says goodbye to the Copa del Rey in the worst possible way. The defeat exposes the shortcomings of the team led by Carlos Corberán, who will have to work hard to prevent the season from ending in disaster.
