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Barcelona hat-trick was a ‘dream’ but focus remains on improvement admits Oriol Soldevila

Oriol Soldevila made global headlines earlier this month after scoring a hat-trick for Club de Futbol Intercity in their 4-3 Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona.

The 21-year-old, who joined the third-tier Spanish side in the summer, scored all three goals in the second half as he forced Barca to extra-time. 

The La Liga giants ultimately progressed, though bagging three goals in front of a packed Estadio Jose Rico Perez will remain an unforgettable memory for Barca's former academy player.

"It was like a dream," Soldevila told Planet Sport. "When I was playing, the first goal, second goal, third goal, it was like a dream. Then after the match, it was even better. A lot of people writing me messages, it was amazing."

The midfielder spent time with Barca's academy between 2018 and 2020. He is also a fan of the current La Liga leaders, making his effort in the cup that little more special.

He added: "I played there for two years, I've got very good friends there, also in the first team. It was a very special match for me but also for my family and my dad. We have a seat at Camp Nou and we always go there to watch the games."
When asked whether Barcelona should've kept him on their books, Soldevila said: "I don't know, they have very very good players.
"I'm still very young and I have to play a lot more, become more comfortable in the lower divisions and keep growing as a player."
Following his departure from Barca, Soldevila joined Birmingham and spent two years with the Championship outfit.

"It was good for my development, but I think the life there was a little bit difficult," admitted the Spaniard.

"It's very different from Spain. The weather, the people, the food, everything is different. Not bad, not worse, but different. It was a little bit difficult sometimes."

Soldevila is currently enjoying his time in the Spanish third-tier with Alicante-based team Intercity.

He said: "In the league, there are different matches and different pitches. Pitches are not very good sometimes so it can be difficult. But I enjoy it.
"When I have minutes, I have to do my best to play every match. I think every day I stay here is better for me."

When asked about his future ambitions and goals, he added: "Going forward for myself I want to keep growing as a player."

READ MORE: Manchester United players earn Erik ten Hag’s full trust after nine-game winning streak

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