After a long drought, Ferran Torres finally delivered the kind of performance fans have been waiting for a long time.
In Saturday’s 4-1 win over Espanyol, the Spanish forward gave a match winning performance and scored twice in the first half. It was his first La Liga goal since January, and fans have been questioning his form until he finally proved his worth against Espanyol in the Catalan derby.
Ferran Torres has now scored 18 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions this season. With Raphinha unavailabe for the decisive second leg and doubts over Lewandowski’s aging legs, Ferran Torres may be the answer to Hansi Flick’s question. The real question is whether he can carry that form to Madrid and become the surprise hero Barcelona desperately need.
Why Torres fits the remontada plan
Atletico have rested almost all of their main team players against Sevilla, so expect them to come with full match fitness. Atletico will sit deep, defend in a compact block and try to hit Barcelona on the counter. This kind of game suits Torres well as he’s very good at making runs in behind, linking play and finding space in crowded penalty areas. But lately, he hasn’t been consistent enough but if we see best version of Ferran Torres like in the Catalan derby, he can be a real threat for the Atletico defence. If Hansi Flick decides to play him up top or even as a left winger, Torres has the intelligence to make it work.
The reality check
Let’s be honest, one good game against Espanol doesn’t automatically make him the answer for Wednesday night. Atletico at home is a completely different test. Torres has had moments this season where he’s looked dangerous but he has also looked dull in the big European nights.
Still, the timing feels right. He’s coming off a confident performance, the team showed character on Saturday, and the squad now has to dig deep without their 93% win-rate player.
Flick has options, and it is up to him how he wants to set up the team against a robust and passionate team like Atletico. Simeone’s side would do everything to keep their lead and if Barcelona are to go through, they need to make something special happen.
Whether Ferran Torres can become the hero of the remontada or not will depend on one thing: can he produce his best when the pressure is at its highest? The stage is set in Madrid for him to shine. For the first time in his career, Ferran Torres really has the chance to silence the doubters on the biggest stage.