FC Barcelona gave a blow on the table in the Champions League after beating Benfica 0-1 in a match that demanded sacrifice and absolute concentration. Despite suffering the expulsion of Pau Cubarsí in the first half, the team knew how to stand firm in defense and found in Raphinha the hero of the match with a decisive goal.
Led by a stellar performance from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, the Blaugrana were able to contain Benfica's constant attacks and secure a positive result for the return leg at the Camp Nou.
An Expulsion That Changed The Course Of The Party
The match started with intensity, with both teams looking to impose their rhythm from the first minutes. Benfica tried to take advantage of the support of their fans at the Estádio da Luz, while Barcelona tried to control the game with long possessions. However, the dynamic changed radically in the 22nd minute when Pau Cubarsí was shown the red card for a foul on Vangelis Pavlidis.
Playing with a man down forced Barcelona to modify their approach. Hansi Flick reacted immediately, reinforcing the defense with the entry of Ronald Araújo and betting on a compact block that prevented Benfica from generating danger easily. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Catalan team did not give up looking for the goal, maintaining some criteria in their outings and generating some sporadic arrivals.
Meanwhile, Benfica went on the attack, trying to take advantage of their numerical superiority. Kerem Aktürkoglu had the first great chance of the match, but Szczesny responded with a save to keep the ball out of his net. Before the break, the Polish goalkeeper was again at his best with a key intervention after a powerful shot by Orkun Kökçü, keeping the tie and hope alive for Barcelona.
Raphinha Appears at the Right Time
In the second half, the script remained similar: Benfica dominated possession and Barcelona resisted with order. However, in the 61st minute, came the play that changed the match. Raphinha, with his eye for goal and his speed, took advantage of a mistake in Benfica's run-out to recover the ball, accelerate towards the area and score with precision in front of Anatoliy Trubin.
The Brazilian's goal not only gave Barcelona the lead, but also gave the team a vital boost to face the remaining minutes. Raphinha, who had already played a key role in the thrilling 4-5 win in the group stage, once again demonstrated his ability to make a difference in decisive matches.
Benfica, hurt by the goal against, intensified its offensive in search of an equalizer. Aursnes and Pavlidis came close to equalizing the score, but again Szczesny appeared to save Barcelona with spectacular saves. With time running out, the Lisbon side pushed forward all their lines, but found themselves up against a well-placed defense and an inspired goalkeeper who thwarted every attempt.
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A Triumph That Brings Us Closer to the Quarterfinals
As the minutes ticked by, Barcelona held on to their lead with impeccable defensive work. The experience of players like Iñigo Martínez and Araújo was key to maintaining solidity at the back, while in midfield Pedri provided the necessary calm to manage moments of pressure.
Benfica tried until the last moment, but the lack of precision in the last touch and Barcelona's solidity prevented the equalizer. Finally, the final whistle sealed a hard-earned and suffered victory, but of enormous value for the blaugranas.
The result leaves Barcelona with a slight advantage ahead of the second leg at the Camp Nou, where they will look to close the tie and seal their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. With morale high and the confidence of having overcome a major obstacle, Flick's team showed that they can compete in difficult scenarios and that they have the ability to fight to the end in the continental tournament.
