Barcelona demolish Valencia 5-0 in Copa Del Rey, Liverpool through to the finals of the Carabao Cup with a 4-0 victory over Spurs

The Copa del Rey made its highly anticipated return this week as Valencia faced off against Hansi Flick's formidable Barcelona team in a crucial matchup at the Estadio de Mestalla on Thursday.

Valencia found themselves in a precarious 19th place in the La Liga standings, battling for survival in both the league and the Copa del Rey. Meanwhile, Barcelona stood strong in third place in the league table and appeared to be gaining significant momentum as they approached this critical clash.

Ferran Torres became the hat trick hero

The Catalans asserted dominance from the get-go as Ferran Torres amassed a hat trick within the first 45 minutes of regular time.

He scored his first, second and third goals in the 3rd, 17th and 30th minutes, respectively. After slotting in the hat trick, Ferran Torres performed a unique celebration as he lifted his shirt to reveal the words “We don’t forget, Valencia.”.

Youngster Fermin Lopez also joined the goal-fest as he scored the fourth goal to hand Barcelona a mammoth 4-0 lead by halftime. In the second half, Barcelona's wonderkid Lamine Yamal also scored in the 59th minute. Barcelona won the fixture 5-0.

Liverpool through to Carabao Cup semis 

This week, the Carabao Cup involved a thrilling knockout match as Tottenham Hotspur faced off against Arne Slot's Liverpool side in a decisive semifinal clash at Anfield on Thursday.

Liverpool, commanding the Premier League standings, brought their exceptional form to this fixture, while Tottenham Hotspur struggled in 14th place, well below their potential this season.

The hosts established their dominance at Anfield from the outset. Liverpool controlled possession and outshot their opponents, continuously initiating waves of attacks that suggested an equalising goal on aggregate was imminent.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 34th minute when Cody Gakpo scored at the far post. Following this breakthrough, Liverpool only intensified their performance.

In the second half, goals from Mo Salah, Szoboszlai and Vigil Van Dijk booked the final berth for Arne Slot's side. Liverpool won the game 4-0 and the semi-finals with 4-1 aggregate.