UCL: Yamal shines as Barcelona holds Benfica to 3-1 defeat

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered a match-winning performance as Barcelona secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League with a commanding victory over Benfica.  

The 17-year-old played a crucial role in the 3-1 aggregate triumph, first setting up Raphinha’s opener with a brilliant assist before producing a stunning goal to restore Barcelona’s lead after Nicolas Otamendi had equalized with a powerful header.

Yamal’s moment of magic effectively ended Benfica’s hopes, and Raphinha sealed the win with a clinical strike into the bottom corner.

However, there was initial confusion over the goal as the referee seemed to have stopped play for a foul by Otamendi on the edge of the box.

But after a check by the video assistant referee (VAR) the goal was confirmed, and Otamendi’s yellow card rescinded.

While Yamal caught the eye with his brilliant pieces of play, Raphinha also deserves plaudits as his double means he has contributed to 16 goals in the Champions League this season.

Only Lionel Messi (14 goals, five assists in 2011-12) has had a hand in more goals in a single season for Barcelona in the competition than Raphinha this season (11 goals, five assists).

Barca could have won by an even bigger margin but Frenkie de Jong missed a golden chance to add a fourth on the night, firing wide from close range after a lovely move.