Benfica 0-1 Barcelona: Raphinha seals key Champions League win for ten-man Barca

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona took a crucial step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica in Lisbon. Despite playing with ten men for most of the game, the Catalan giants showed resilience and determination, with Raphinha’s solitary goal proving to be the difference on the night.

Barcelona started the game with high intensity, dominating possession and looking to impose their style early on. Flick’s tactical approach was clear from the outset—quick ball circulation and aggressive pressing aimed at unsettling the home side. Benfica, however, showed their defensive discipline, keeping the visitors at bay in the opening exchanges.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 22nd minute when Barcelona were reduced to ten men. A mistimed challenge from João Cancelo on Ángel Di María was deemed reckless by the referee, leading to a straight red card. With over an hour left to play, Barcelona faced an uphill battle in a hostile environment.

Rather than retreating into a defensive shell, the Blaugrana responded with character. Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gündogan stepped up in midfield, ensuring that Barcelona continued to control the tempo despite their numerical disadvantage. Benfica, sensing an opportunity, pushed forward but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by Barcelona’s organized defense.

Marc-André ter Stegen produced a series of fine saves to keep the score level, denying Benfica’s top scorer Rafa Silva on multiple occasions. His commanding presence between the posts provided Barcelona with the confidence to continue pushing forward when opportunities arose.

The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute. A swift counterattack saw Gündogan release Lamine Yamal down the right flank. The teenager’s perfectly timed pass found Raphinha on the edge of the box, and the Brazilian winger made no mistake, firing a low shot past Anatoliy Trubin to give Barcelona a priceless lead.

The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Barcelona players, who knew the importance of securing a victory in the first leg. Raphinha, who has been in excellent form this season, once again proved his worth with a moment of pure quality that underlined his growing importance in Flick’s plans.

Benfica reacted by throwing bodies forward, but Barcelona’s defense, marshaled by Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen, held firm. The hosts had a golden chance to equalize in the 78th minute, but Di María’s curling effort sailed inches wide of the post, much to the relief of the traveling supporters.

As the game entered its final moments, Barcelona’s game management came to the fore. Flick introduced Oriol Romeu and Jules Koundé to add fresh legs, ensuring his side remained compact and disciplined in defense. Despite Benfica’s relentless attacks, Barcelona saw out the game professionally to claim a vital first-leg advantage.

The result puts Barcelona in a strong position heading into the second leg at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc. With home support and a full-strength squad, Flick’s men will fancy their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals for the first time in years.

For Benfica, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering their numerical superiority for most of the match. However, they showed enough attacking intent to suggest they can still cause problems in the return fixture.

Barcelona’s victory in Lisbon was a testament to their resilience, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance. Despite adversity, the Catalans stood tall, and with Raphinha leading the charge, their Champions League dream remains very much alive.