Barcelona stormed into the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday with a resounding 5-0 victory over Valencia, as Ferran Torres netted a hat-trick. Fermin López and Lamine Yamal also found the net at the Mestalla, ensuring that the record 31-time Spanish Cup winners remain on course for yet another title.

Real Sociedad also progressed to the last four with a 2-0 win over Osasuna, who had Alejandro Catena sent off. The two remaining semi-finalists are Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

Copa del Rey Semi-Final Draw Details

Before we delve into the match reports for Barcelona and Real Sociedad, here are the details of the upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final draw.

The draw will take place on Wednesday, 12th February, at the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation. It is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm CET (5:30 pm IST; 7:00 am ET).

The semi-finals will be played over two legs. The first legs will take place on 25th, 26th, or 27th February, while the return legs are set for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd April.

How Barcelona Overpowered Valencia

Ferran Torres delivered a sensational performance, scoring a hat-trick as Barcelona dismantled Valencia 5-0 to secure a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Fermin López and Lamine Yamal also got on the scoresheet, as the Blaugrana cruised to victory at a subdued Mestalla.

Earlier in the day, Real Sociedad claimed a 2-0 victory over a ten-man Osasuna, joining Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in a formidable semi-final lineup.

Former Valencia forward Torres stole the show with his treble inside the opening 30 minutes, fully capitalising on manager Hansi Flick’s decision to rest Robert Lewandowski.

“We expected a tough match because playing here at Mestalla is never easy,” Torres told TVE. “Fortunately, we scored early, and that really deflated them.”

The Spaniard opened the scoring in the third minute, latching onto an Alejandro Balde through ball before finishing clinically against his former club.

Torres doubled his tally in the 17th minute after a shot from Yamal rebounded off the post and fell perfectly into his path.

López extended Barcelona’s lead midway through the first half with a well-timed run, expertly picked out by Pedri González. He rounded goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski before slotting home.

Torres completed his hat-trick on the 30-minute mark, firing in a precise low finish after Raphinha set him up on the edge of the box.

The ex-Manchester City winger’s stellar display gives Flick something to ponder, as Barcelona have now scored at least five goals in each of the last four matches where Lewandowski has not started.

Valencia Fans’ Frustration Grows

With their side trailing 4-0, some Valencia supporters began leaving the Mestalla in frustration—an all-too-familiar scene for a club whose ownership under Peter Lim remains highly unpopular. Fans voiced their anger through chants and banners directed at the club’s leadership.

This was Valencia’s second thrashing at the hands of Barcelona in the space of two weeks, following a 7-1 defeat at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in La Liga.

Brief Respite for Valencia

Valencia briefly thought they had pulled a goal back early in the second half when Umar Sadiq found the net, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Moments later, Sadiq won a penalty, but after a VAR review, it was overturned due to an offside in the build-up.

At the other end, Yamal struck the post again, though this time the ball bounced to safety. However, the 17-year-old Spanish sensation eventually got his goal with a deflected strike that evaded Dimitrievski, who perhaps should have done better.

Flick Pleased with Team’s Performance

“I’m really pleased with how the team played—we created chances from the outset and converted them, which gave us a great advantage,” Flick told TVE.

“This is the style we want to play. You can see the hunger in this young team—they always push for more goals.”

Torres Hopes for Valencia’s Survival

Currently 19th in La Liga, Valencia are four points from safety, and Torres expressed his hope that his former club can avoid relegation.

“I really hope Valencia stay up because, at heart, I am just another fan,” he said.

“It’s tough to watch the club where I grew up struggling like this. They are going through a difficult period.”

Corberán Admits Valencia Need to Improve

Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán admitted the result was painful for the team and their supporters.

“This is a very difficult defeat to take, especially coming so soon after the league loss to Barcelona. To suffer like this in front of our own fans at Mestalla is tough,” he said.

“We need to put in better performances. The fans deserve much more than what we are currently offering.”

Real Sociedad Ease Past Osasuna

In San Sebastián, Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Méndez were on target as Real Sociedad secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Osasuna. Their task was made easier when Alejandro Catena was sent off for a reckless challenge after just 35 minutes.

Osasuna had defeated Sociedad 2-1 in La Liga just days earlier, but Catena’s early dismissal all but ended their hopes of mounting a comeback.

With this result, La Real have now reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals for the third time in six seasons, having last lifted the trophy in 2020.