- Barcelona staged a stunning comeback, fighting back from two goals down to defeat Benfica 5-4.
- Raphinha’s late winner in the 96th minute secured Barca’s place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
- Benfica were left stunned after Wojciech Szczesny’s errors and an own goal by Ronald Araujo allowed Barcelona to level and win.
Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback, recovering from two goals down and two blunders by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to secure a dramatic 5-4 win over Benfica.
Benfica started strong with Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis netting a 30-minute hat-trick, aided by two errors from Szczesny. Robert Lewandowski pulled one back for Barcelona with a penalty. The game saw more twists as Raphinha and Lewandowski scored for Barcelona, while an own goal from Ronald Araujo kept them trailing 4-3.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Osinbajo Speaks on Quitting Politics
- AfDB to Collaborate LAMATA on Development of Lagos 60km Purple Rail Line
- LIRS Sets Deadline for Annual Tax Returns Filing by Employers
In a dramatic finish, Eric Garcia equalized late on, and in the 96th minute, after Szczesny made a crucial save and Benfica were denied a penalty, Raphinha broke away to score the winner, stunning the home crowd.
Barcelona’s victory secured their spot in the last 16 with an 18-point tally. Benfica, on the other hand, will be left wondering how they let a commanding position slip.
The match began with a clinical strike by Pavlidis, set up by a cross from Álvaro Carreras. Barcelona quickly responded through Lewandowski’s penalty after Tomas Araujo fouled Alejandro Balde.
Szczesny’s mistakes then took centre stage. In the first instance, he collided with Balde while trying to clear a long ball, allowing Pavlidis to slot into an empty net. Later, Szczesny fouled Kerem Aktürkoglu, giving away a penalty, which Pavlidis converted for his hat-trick.
FURTHER READING
- US Supreme Court Orders TikTok Ban Starting Sunday
- TikTok Ban: Biden Says Trump Will Decide App’s Future
- ‘America Isn’t It Anymore’ – Rapper DDG Considers Relocating to Lagos Amid LA Wildfires
In the second half, Barcelona pushed forward. Raphinha’s bizarre goal came after a deflected clearance hit his head, bouncing over goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin and into the net. Araujo’s own goal briefly restored Benfica’s advantage, but Lewandowski’s second penalty set up a thrilling finale.
Garcia’s header levelled the game at 4-4 before Raphinha’s last-gasp strike sealed the win for Barcelona.
