Real Betis forward and manager amazed by Barcelona – ‘The best team in the world today’

Barcelona secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey after they thrashed Real Betis 5-1 last night at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

Goals from Gavi, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal sealed another emphatic win for the Blaugranas.

As for Betis, their only goal came from the penalty spot with Barcelona loanee Vitor Roque being the goalscorer on his return to Montjuic.

Roque hails Barcelona after defeat

Speaking to the media after the match, Vitor Roque was full of praise for the way Barcelona played, claiming that they were the best team in the world at the moment.

“We weren’t at our best,” Roque admitted in an interview after the game, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“We tried to press high and close the gaps, but it wasn’t possible. Barcelona played an incredible game and fully deserved the win.”

Further reflecting on the encounter, Roque added: “It’s been very difficult for us because this Barça is the best team in the world today. We tried, but it just wasn’t our day.”

Despite the defeat, Roque found some solace in his goal on his return to Montjuic, as he said:

“It was very special for me. I played here for six months, and I’m happy to have scored for Betis, even though Iñaki Peña almost stopped it again.”

Manuel Pellegrini in agreement

Echoing what Vitor Roque said, Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini also sang praises of this Barcelona team, claiming that the squad had some of the best players in the world.

“When you lose 5-1, the evaluation is very negative. It cannot be positive in any way,” Pellegrini stated, as quoted by MD.

“It’s true we faced a great Barça, who are in outstanding form, as they showed last Sunday in the Super Cup. They are playing at a very high level, but we also gave away too many defensive liberties.”

Reflecting on the stark difference between Wednesday’s performance and Betis’ 2-2 draw against Barcelona in La Liga at the Villamarin just over a month ago, Pellegrini acknowledged the disparity in defensive intensity.

“At the Villamarin, we played very well and deserved to win. We created many chances and were more aggressive defensively,” he explained.

“Today, we allowed Barcelona too much space, waiting for them in our own half without pressing the ball. They hurt us defensively in several areas.

“We know the level Lamine Yamal is at, but they created chances from various positions and scored five. I think our lack of aggression in ball recovery was a key difference from the La Liga match.”

When asked whether Lamine Yamal is currently the most impactful player in European football, Pellegrini highlighted the collective strength of Barcelona.

“It’s not just Lamine Yamal who is performing at a high level. Three, four, or five players, like Raphinha, Olmo, and Pedri, are also in excellent form, and that’s reflected in their results.

“I don’t think Barcelona’s great play is down to just one player; it’s the work of the entire team.”