Playing in his home town against his childhood club, Torres scored from a quick counter-attack in the second minute and extended the lead in the 17th when he fired home a rebound from a Lamine Yamal strike that ricocheted off the post.

Fermin Lopez scored the third in another counter five minutes later and Torres gave Barca a four-goal lead on the half-hour mark with a strike from the edge of the box.

The visitors took their foot off the gas after the break but Yamal added a fifth goal in the 59nd minute with help from Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, who made a howler when Yamal s shot deflected off his gloves and into the net.

Barcelona joined Real Madrid, Atletico and Real Sociedad in the semi-finals, with the draw set to take place on Wednesday.

It was Barcelona s second thrashing of Valencia in less than two weeks, after a 7-1 victory in LaLiga against opponents who are second-bottom of the standings and struggling to avoid relegation.

"I really wish Valencia the best of luck because outside the pitch I m just another fan," Torres told TVE after deciding not to celebrate any of his goals out of respect.

Baseball star Shohei Ohtani s former interpreter was sentenced on Thursday to nearly five years in prison for stealing $17 million from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts.

"It s hard to see the club of your childhood, the club of your life suffer like this... seeing how they are going through such a hard time."

Barcelona extended their unbeaten run to 10 games after another brilliant attacking performance.

Alejandro Balde started the show by helping Torres beat Valencia s high defensive line with a long pass that he took in his stride before netting a tidy finish.

Torres struck again before Lopez added the third, ghosting behind the line from a pass by Pedri to score.

Pedri threaded a long ball to Raphinha who slipped the ball through for Torres to claim the fourth and Yamal completed the rout.