Yamal shines as Barcelona thrash Betis 5-1 to reach cup quarters

BARCELONA : Barcelona's teenage forward Lamine Yamal was in inspired form, scoring once and making two assists, as they thrashed Real Betis 5-1 on Wednesday to book their spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Gavi opened the scoring in the third minute, slotting in a low strike from Dani Olmo's assist, before Jules Kounde extended their lead in the 27th, firing home a volley from close range after a stunning lobbed pass by Yamal.

After two goals were ruled out by the VAR for offside, Raphinha scored Barca's third in the 58th minute, netting from a counter-attack started by Yamal.

Substitute Ferran Torres netted the fourth in the 67th minute with a strike from inside the box from an Olmo cross and Yamal scored the fifth from a quick counter-attack in the 75th.

Vitor Roque scored a consolation for Betis from the penalty spot in the 84th minute.