Raphinha strike earns Barca win at Benfica and top-8 spot

Barcelona clinched a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Raphinha. The victory at Estadio da Luz secured Barcelona's position at the top of the Champions League table, in a match filled with twists, errors, and brilliance. Benfica, buoyed by a first-half hat trick from Vangelis Pavlidis, looked destined to triumph, but Barcelona's resilience and attacking prowess ultimately turned the tide in their favor.

The match began at a frenetic pace, with Benfica striking early through Pavlidis in the second minute. A swift move down the right flank ended with Pavlidis tapping in a precise cross, capitalizing on Barcelona’s shaky defense. The early goal set the tone for a first half in which Benfica exploited every defensive lapse from the visitors. Barcelona, struggling to find their rhythm, looked unsteady, and coach Hansi Flick’s decision to start Wojciech Szczesny in goal quickly came under scrutiny.

Barcelona equalized in the 11th minute when Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty awarded after VAR intervened for a foul on Alejandro Balde by Tomás Araújo. The clinical finish from Lewandowski momentarily lifted Barcelona's spirits, but it wasn’t long before their defensive frailties resurfaced. Szczesny's misjudged attempt to clear a long ball left Pavlidis with an open goal, allowing him to restore Benfica's lead in the 22nd minute. Szczesny’s nightmare evening continued as he conceded another penalty after fouling Kerem Aktürkoglu. Pavlidis stepped up once more, completing his hat trick on the half-hour mark to give Benfica a commanding 3-1 lead.

The Catalan side went into halftime facing an uphill battle, with Flick needing to address both the defensive disarray and the team’s inability to control midfield. Despite their struggles, Barcelona returned for the second half with renewed determination, as evidenced by their relentless pressure on Benfica's defense.

Barcelona began their comeback in the 64th minute in bizarre fashion. Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made a catastrophic error, clearing the ball directly onto Raphinha’s head, resulting in the ball ricocheting into the net. The unlikely goal reignited Barcelona’s hopes, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. However, any momentum gained was quickly snuffed out when Ronald Araújo accidentally deflected a Benfica cross into his own net just four minutes later, restoring Benfica's two-goal cushion.

At 4-2, the match seemed out of reach for Barcelona, but their relentless attacking spirit shone through. In the 78th minute, Lewandowski scored his second of the night from the penalty spot, once again demonstrating his composure and precision. The penalty, awarded for a handball inside the box, brought Barcelona back within a goal of leveling the match. The intensity grew as Barcelona surged forward in search of an equalizer.

The breakthrough came in the 87th minute when substitute Eric García rose highest to meet a perfectly floated cross from Pedri. His powerful header left Trubin stranded, sending the ball into the back of the net and leveling the score at 4-4. The equalizer stunned the Benfica crowd and injected Barcelona with belief that a comeback win was possible.

With six minutes of stoppage time added, the game seemed destined to end in a draw. However, Barcelona had other plans. In the dying moments of the match, a rapid counterattack saw Raphinha breaking down the left flank. The Brazilian winger cut inside and unleashed a low drive past Trubin to complete the comeback and seal an unforgettable 5-4 victory for Barcelona. The dramatic winner silenced the home crowd and sparked wild celebrations among the Barcelona players and fans.

After the match, Raphinha reflected on the team's determination, saying, "We knew it was going to be a difficult game. I know how tough it is to play here against Benfica. They have top-level players. But we didn’t let ourselves get carried away when we were 3-1 down. It was a spectacular match for the spectators, and anyone could have won." His words captured the essence of a game that will be remembered for its unpredictability and excitement.

Defender Eric García echoed Raphinha’s sentiments, praising the team’s mentality: "It was an incredible victory. The team didn’t lose their heads throughout the game. When you start the game losing, it messes with your plans. But it’s important to qualify for the next round. We came here with this objective in mind."

For Benfica, the defeat was a crushing blow. A victory would have significantly bolstered their chances of breaking into the top eight, securing automatic qualification for the round of 16. Instead, they now sit 18th with 10 points, among the playoff spots, and face a daunting task to recover their campaign. Despite their attacking prowess, Benfica’s defensive lapses and costly mistakes, particularly Trubin’s misjudged clearance, ultimately undermined their efforts.

The match also raised questions about Hansi Flick’s decision-making, particularly his choice to start Szczesny, whose errors directly contributed to two of Benfica’s goals. With Barcelona already struggling defensively in recent La Liga matches, the goalkeeper’s inclusion only added to the uncertainty at the back. Flick, however, will take solace in the resilience shown by his side to overturn a two-goal deficit and secure all three points.

Barcelona’s victory propels them to the top of the Champions League standings with 18 points from seven games, solidifying their position heading into the final group-stage fixtures. Their next match against Atalanta will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and securing a favorable position for the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Benfica will look to regroup as they travel to Juventus, knowing that a win is essential to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

The game at Estadio da Luz was a testament to the drama and unpredictability of the Champions League. It showcased the highs and lows of football, with moments of brilliance, individual errors, and the unyielding spirit of a team refusing to give up. Barcelona’s comeback win not only underscores their pedigree on the European stage but also highlights the challenges they must overcome to achieve consistency and success. For Benfica, the loss serves as a painful reminder of the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in elite competition.