- Barcelona edged Benfica 5-4 in a thrilling Champions League clash
- The Catalans overturned a two-goal deficit twice with three late goals
- Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha scored two goals each
- The result secures Barcelona’s place in the Round of 16
Key Takeaways:
Barcelona secured a dramatic 5-4 win over Benfica in the seventh round of the Champions League. The Catalan side showed immense resilience, coming back from two separate two-goal deficits to claim all three points. The match was marked by defensive errors and mistakes from both goalkeepers, resulting in a goal-filled spectacle.
The game began with an early strike from Evangelos Pavlidis in the second minute. Robert Lewandowski equalized for Barcelona in the 13th minute, converting a penalty. However, Pavlidis restored Benfica’s lead in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a blunder by Wojciech Szczesny. Pavlidis added his third with a penalty, making it 3-1.
THE MAGIC OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 😍
Barcelona complete one of the greatest comebacks ever in an all-time classic against Benfica 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WCkLfxf9l5
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) January 21, 2025
Barcelona clawed back in the second half, as Anatoliy Trubin’s error allowed Raphinha to score in the 64th minute. Just four minutes later, Ronald Araújo’s own goal extended Benfica’s lead to 4-2. Lewandowski struck again with his second penalty, narrowing the gap, before substitute Eric García leveled the match at 4-4 in the 86th minute. In injury time, Raphinha netted the winner to complete Barcelona’s incredible comeback.
With this victory, Hansi Flick’s team remains second in the overall standings, trailing only Liverpool. The win also secures Barcelona’s qualification for the Champions League Round of 16.