In a thrilling Copa del Rey match on January 15, 2025, FC Barcelona secured their place in the semifinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. The game showcased a spirited performance from both sides, but it was Barcelona who emerged victorious. Goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres put the Catalan side ahead. Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a precise header from a corner delivered by Stray. Ferran Torres doubled the lead just before halftime, taking the score to 2-0. Real Betis tried to mount a comeback and found the net through Borja Iglesias in the 72nd minute, but they couldn’t equalize. Barcelona’s defense held strong, particularly goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who made several crucial saves. Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, expressed pride in his team’s resilience, stating, ‘We showed great character and determination. Every match in the Copa del Rey is a battle, and we are excited to move forward.’ Real Betis fell short despite a valiant effort, with manager Manuel Pellegrini stating, ‘We played well but lacked the finishing touch to convert our chances. My players gave their all.’ This match marks Barcelona’s continued pursuit of the prestigious Copa del Rey title, aiming for their 32nd overall triumph in the tournament.
FC Barcelona Advances to Copa del Rey Semifinals with 2-1 Victory Over Real Betis
