Yamal inspires dominant cup win for Barca
Barcelona's teenage prodigy inspired his side's 5-1 victory over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, scoring once and also providing an assist.
The result never looked in doubt at any point during the match, with Gavi having put the hosts ahead after three minutes – the midfielder found the net with a low strike from Dani Olmo's assist.
Defender Jules Kounde then doubled Barca's lead after 27 minutes, smashing home a close-range volley after Yamal had laid on a brilliant lobbed pass for him.
It was also a game in which the video assistant referee had its work cut out, with two goals being disallowed for offside after Kounde's.
But Raphinha did eventually make it three on 58 minutes, converting from a transition that had been started by Yamal.
Ferran Torres then came off the bench to score the fourth and make it a rout in the 67th minute. Torres's goal came from a strike inside the box after Olmo had crossed.
Yamal finally got the goal his performance deserved with 15 minutes to go in the match, converting after a quick counter-attack to make it 5-0.
The only disappointment in an otherwise-flawless performance for the hosts came in the 84th minute, with Vitor Roque netting a consolation from the penalty spot for Betis.
Yamal is now on 22 goal involvements – nine goals and 13 assists – in all competitions this season.
