In Barcelona’s 5-0 home win over Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday night, Ferran Torres scored the club’s first free-kick in over two years.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the last time Barça scored a goal from a free-kick was on 2 May 2021, when Lionel Messi found the net against Valencia at Mestalla. The departure of the Argentine star since highlighted the lack of a free-kick specialist at the Catalan club.
In the time since former captain Messi left, many have tried from dead-ball situations, including Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Memphis Depay, and current squad members Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
Cancelo scores first Barça goal
There was also a debut goal on the night for new signing Joao Cancelo as Betis struggled to contain Xavi’s side, who return to European action on Tuesday. The Portugal international put the icing on the cake when he grabbed the fifth goal at Montjuïc.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
