Khaberni - Ferran Torres scored three goals in the first half to lead Barcelona to a 5-3 victory over host Real Betis in the Spanish first division football league today, Saturday, after the visiting team recovered from an early deficit to achieve victory and extend their lead at the top over Real Madrid to four points.
Barcelona fell behind with a goal by Anthony in the sixth minute, but Torres scored two consecutive goals to put his team in front by the 13th minute. Ronnie Bardaji then made it 3-1 after half an hour with his first goal for Barcelona in the league, before Torres completed his hat-trick.
A penalty taken by Lamine Yamal strengthened Barcelona's lead, but Betis did not give up as Diego Llorente narrowed the gap after a corner kick in the 85th minute, and Cucho Hernández added a goal from a penalty five minutes later, but that was not enough to prevent Barcelona from winning.
Earlier in the day, Villarreal, in third place, won 2-0 against Getafe, and a penalty in stoppage time of the first half gave Deportivo Alavés a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in a mid-table clash.
Barcelona tops the table with 40 points after 16 matches, four points ahead of Real Madrid, who have played one less game, and Betis is in fifth place with 24 points.
