Barcelona stun Benfica with last-minute Raphinha winner in thrilling Champions League contest

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FC Barcelona pulled off a stunning comeback to secure a dramatic 5-4 victory over Benfica, sealing their spot in the Champions League last 16.

The match began disastrously for Barcelona as Vangelis Pavlidis completed a 30-minute hat-trick, capitalising on two Wojciech Szczesny errors.

After Pavlidis opened scoring in the second minute, the Blaugrana responded eleven minutes later. Robert Lewandowski kept Barça in contention by converting a penalty after Tomas Araujo fouled Alejandro Balde.

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Benfica scored again after Pavlidis took advantage of Szczesny’s misjudgment, slotting into an open net after the goalkeeper collided with Balde. Moments later, Szczesny’s reckless challenge on Kerem Aktürkoglu gifted Pavlidis a penalty, which he confidently dispatched.

Barcelona, however, refused to back down. Raphinha’s goal in the 64th minute, bouncing off his head after Trubin’s clearance, reignited the visitors’ hopes. But their progress was briefly halted when Ronald Araujo’s own goal restored Benfica’s two-goal advantage.

The Catalans pressed forward with relentless energy, and Lewandowski converted another penalty to reduce the deficit. With their momentum growing, Eric Garcia headed in the leveller, making it 4-4 with four minutes of regulation time left.

Benfica came close to reclaiming the lead, with Szczesny redeeming himself by denying Angel di Maria in a crucial moment.

Impressive Raphinha hands Barça three vital points

However, just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Raphinha struck again in the 96th minute. The Brazilian raced clear on the counter and calmly slotted past Trubin, completing Barcelona’s remarkable comeback.

Despite their early dominance, Benfica left the pitch stunned and disappointed. Barcelona, meanwhile, showcased commendable resilience to secure victory in a thrilling encounter as they advanced to the last 16 with 18 points.

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