- Barcelona secured a 1-0 win against Benfica despite playing with ten men
- Raphinha’s 61st-minute goal proved decisive at Estadio da Luz
- Wojciech Szczesny’s key saves helped Barcelona hold firm under pressure
Key Takeaways:
Barcelona secured a narrow but highly valuable 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash with Benfica. The visitors at the Estadio da Luz were reduced to ten men in the 22nd minute when Pau Cubarsi received a straight red card. The Catalans faced intense pressure but held firm, aided by their goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who made several outstanding saves. In the 61st minute, the Spaniards seized their opportunity, with Raphinha scoring the winning goal.
Wojciech Szczęsny made eight saves against Benfica, setting a record for the most saves by a Barcelona goalkeeper in a single Champions League match without conceding a goal. @OptaJose pic.twitter.com/BJdGfEKzqc
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 5, 2025
The situation for the Barca became significantly more challenging in the 22nd minute. Vangelis Pavlidis broke behind Barcelona’s defence, forcing Pau Cubarsi to dive at his feet and trip him, resulting in the young defender being shown a direct red card and leaving his teammates a man down.
Benfica dominated the second half, but Barcelona capitalized on their chance in the 61st minute when Antonio Silva misplaced a pass. Raphinha intercepted it and struck a powerful low shot into the net for 0-1.
In the 83rd minute, Andrea Belotti broke behind Barcelona’s defense and was brought down by the visitors’ goalkeeper, prompting the referee to initially point to the penalty spot. However, seconds later, the decision was overturned, and an offside was called on the striker, a ruling later confirmed by VAR.
In the closing minutes, the game was played almost entirely in front of Barcelona’s goal, where Benfica players had several shots blocked by the Spanish side’s defenders. Ultimately, Barcelona held on for the win, giving them a slim advantage heading into the second leg. Benfica, meanwhile, will rue their missed opportunities and now face a much tougher task of seeking a comeback at the Estadi Lluis Companys.