Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday. Despite being reduced to 10 men early in the match, the Catalan giants displayed resilience, with Raphinha delivering the decisive goal.
Early Setback for Barcelona
The game took a dramatic turn in the 22nd minute when Barcelona’s young defender Pau Cubarsi received a straight red card for a last-man foul on Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis. At just 18 years old, Cubarsi became the second-youngest player in Champions League history to be sent off. This left Barcelona with an uphill battle for the remainder of the match.
Szczesny’s Goalkeeping Masterclass
Barcelona’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny emerged as the unsung hero, making a series of crucial saves to keep his team in the contest. From denying Kerem Akturkoglu’s close-range efforts to stopping Orkun Kokcu’s free kick, Szczesny’s performance was instrumental in preserving Barcelona’s clean sheet.
Raphinha’s Decisive Strike
The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Raphinha capitalized on a defensive error by Benfica’s Antonio Silva. The Brazilian winger intercepted a misplaced pass, advanced into the box, and unleashed a low shot into the bottom corner, securing the lead for Barcelona. This marked Raphinha’s 20th Champions League goal involvement, further solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s top performers.
Benfica’s Missed Opportunities
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Benfica failed to convert their opportunities. The Portuguese side registered 26 shots but were thwarted by Szczesny’s brilliance and their own lack of clinical finishing.
Looking Ahead
With this narrow victory, Barcelona takes a crucial advantage into the second leg, which will be played at Camp Nou next week. Benfica, however, will look to capitalize on their strong attacking display and overturn the deficit.
This match showcased Barcelona’s grit and determination, setting the stage for an intense second-leg encounter. Fans can expect another thrilling chapter in this Champions League showdown.
