Raphinha fires 10-Man Barcelona to 1-0 Champions League Victory over Benfica

Despite playing most of the match with 10 men, Barcelona secured a 1-0 win over Benfica in their Champions League last-16 first-leg clash on Wednesday, thanks to a second-half strike from Raphinha.

Teenage defender Pau Cubarsi was sent off midway through the first half, leaving the Catalans at a numerical disadvantage. However, Raphinha’s 61st-minute goal ensured Hansi Flick’s side left Lisbon with a crucial away win ahead of the return leg at the Estadio Olimpico next Tuesday.

Barcelona Overcome Early Setback

The game started at a frantic pace, with Benfica’s Kerem Akturkoglu testing Wojciech Szczesny within seconds. Barcelona responded swiftly, as Dani Olmo went close before Anatoliy Trubin pulled off a stunning triple save to deny Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona’s plans were disrupted in the 22nd minute when Cubarsi received a red card for bringing down Vangelis Pavlidis, who had scored a hat-trick in their previous group-stage meeting. Szczesny then produced a crucial save to deny Orkun Kokcu’s free-kick.

Raphinha’s Moment of Brilliance

Despite being a man down, Barcelona held firm and continued to pose a threat. Szczesny made another key save to keep out Pavlidis before Raphinha broke the deadlock.

After winning possession high up the pitch, the Brazilian unleashed a low, deflected strike that found the net—his ninth goal in nine Champions League appearances.

Late Drama and Barcelona’s Resilience

Benfica pressed hard for an equalizer, with Andrea Belotti winning a penalty in the dying moments. However, a VAR review ruled that he was offside in the build-up, allowing Barcelona to hold onto their slender lead.

With this victory, Barcelona take a crucial advantage back to Spain as they aim to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2020.