Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has credited Ferran Torres for his return to his form after his scintillating display against Real Betis. The forward scored a hat-trick and grabbed an assist to give Barca the all-important three points after it looked like they were set to lose further ground on La Liga leaders Girona.
Torres’ hat-trick ensured that the Catalan club maintained the distance between themselves and arch-rivals Real Madrid, who also remain in the title race. The forward scored with two finishes from close range on either side of halftime before Isco stunned Xavi’s men by scoring twice in three minutes.
Joao Felix came off the bench to restore their lead, before Torres completed his hat-trick in stoppage time on his 100th appearance for the club. The Spanish giants remain eight points adrift of leaders Girona, who humiliated Sevilla 5-1, and seven behind second-placed Madrid.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Xavi has praised the mental strength of the 23-year-old, who has revived his Barca career.
He said: “Ferran Torres has turned the tables by himself. I spoke with him in the summer, and he sent me a spectacular message that he was willing to succeed and that is what he is doing. He is one of the footballers who has the most mental strength. I’m very happy.”
Rajan Sangha | GSFN
