Barcelona 3 – 1 Benfica
Barcelona delivered a dominant and attacking display at home, securing a convincing win over Benfica. Raphinha found the net once again against the Portuguese side, while Lamine Yamal scored a stunning goal. Both players also assisted each other’s goals. With this impressive victory, Hansi Flick’s team advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals.
On Tuesday night at the Olympic Stadium, the Spanish giants claimed a 3-1 victory in the second leg of the Round of 16, progressing with a 4-1 aggregate score.
All the goals came in the first half. Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead, but Nicolás Otamendi quickly equalized for Benfica. Yamal restored Barcelona’s advantage before Raphinha doubled his tally.
The Brazilian winger has now scored five goals in three matches against Benfica this season, having netted twice in the group stage and once in the first leg of the Round of 16.
Ahead of Saturday’s La Liga match against Osasuna, Barcelona’s team doctor, Carles Minarro García, tragically passed away at the team hotel. The game was postponed just 20 minutes before kickoff. Flick had expressed his desire to win against Benfica in his honor, and his players delivered.
Barcelona dominated possession with 65% of the ball, attempting 20 shots, six of which were on target. Benfica managed just one shot in the first half and finished with a total of eight, only two of which tested the goalkeeper.
Match Summary
Barcelona’s first major chance came in the 10th minute when Robert Lewandowski’s shot from inside the box was easily saved by Anatoliy Trubin.
A minute later, the home side took the lead. Yamal beat two defenders on the right wing and delivered a perfect cross, which Raphinha volleyed home at the far post.
Benfica responded quickly in the 13th minute. From a corner, Otamendi’s header found the net despite goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny getting a hand on it. The 37-year-old Argentine defender scored his first Champions League goal since November 1, 2017, when he netted for Manchester City against Napoli.
Yamal put Barcelona back in front in the 27th minute with a brilliant individual goal. Receiving a cross from Raphinha, the 16-year-old dribbled past a defender, cut inside, and curled the ball into the far corner. The goalkeeper couldn’t reach it despite his dive. At 17 years and 241 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score and assist in the same Champions League match.
Lewandowski had another effort saved in the 41st minute, but Raphinha made it 3-1 just before halftime. Alejandro Balde carried the ball from deep before passing into the box, where Raphinha slotted a low left-footed shot into the net.
The Brazilian forward now has 11 goals and five assists in 10 Champions League games this season. He also set a new record for most goals by a Brazilian in a single Champions League campaign, surpassing Rivaldo (1999-2000) and Neymar (2014-15), who both scored 10 for Barcelona. The only Barcelona player with more direct goal contributions in a single Champions League season is Lionel Messi, who recorded 14 goals and five assists in 2011-12.
Second Half & Closing Moments
Barcelona maintained their attacking intensity in the second half. In the 65th minute, Frenkie de Jong missed a great chance after a smart pass from Jules Koundé.
Benfica attempted their second shot in the 66th minute, but Pavlidis’ effort was easily saved by Szczęsny.
In the 70th minute, Flick made a double substitution, bringing on Ferran Torres and Gavi for Lewandowski and Dani Olmo. Shortly after, Torres sent a free-kick over the bar.
Barcelona will now face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for a sixth Champions League title.
