WATCH: Forty-one shots later! Ferran Torres becomes first player to score direct free-kick for Barcelona since Lionel Messi

Ritabrata Banerjee
Ferran Torres BarcelonaGetty
BarcelonaFerrán TorresBarcelona vs Real BetisReal BetisLa Liga

Ferran Torres became the first player since Lionel Messi to score a direct free-kick goal for Barcelona.

  • Ferran Torres scores direct free-kick
  • First Barcelona player since Messi to net from direct free-kick
  • Barcelona beat Real Betis 5-0

WHAT HAPPENED? The Spanish striker fired a free-kick from more than 20 yards out to hand Barcelona a 3-0 lead against Real Betis on Saturday. This was the first time since Lionel Messi's free-kick goal against Valencia in 2021, that a Barcelona player scored from a direct free-kick. It took 41 shots in the last two years before a Barcelona player finally found the back of the net from a direct free-kick.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Catalan giants registered a thumping 5-0 win over Real Betis on Saturday. Other than Torres scoring a brilliant free-kick goal, deadline day signings Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix also got their names on the scoresheet.

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WHAT NEXT? Xavi's side will be next seen in action in the Champions League against Antwerp on Tuesday.

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