Raphinha scored a stoppage-time winner as Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Benfica 5-4 in Lisbon, securing direct qualification to the Champions League last 16.
Trailing 4-2 with less than 15 minutes remaining, Barcelona mounted a late surge to snatch victory and stay three points behind group leaders Liverpool.
Vangelis Pavlidis struck a first-half hat-trick for Benfica, aided by two costly errors from Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. However, a Robert Lewandowski brace, Eric Garcia’s header, and two goals from Raphinha propelled Barcelona to a dramatic triumph.
“It was a crazy game… Benfica did well in the first half, but we made a lot of mistakes,” Barcelona coach Flick admitted. “The mentality of the team, they always believe in themselves, and this was unbelievable to see.”
Pavlidis opened the scoring in the second minute before Lewandowski equalized from the penalty spot. Benfica regained the lead when Szczesny’s misjudged attempt to intercept allowed Pavlidis to roll his second into an open net.
A third goal for Pavlidis came via a penalty after Szczesny fouled Kerem Akturkoglu, leaving Barcelona 3-1 down at halftime.
Raphinha pulled one back in bizarre fashion when a clearance by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin ricocheted off his head and into the net. However, Ronald Araujo’s own goal restored Benfica’s two-goal cushion.
Barcelona rallied as Lewandowski converted another penalty after Nicolas Otamendi fouled Lamine Yamal. Garcia then levelled the score with a powerful header from Pedri’s cross.
In the dying moments, Raphinha broke Benfica’s hearts with a clinical finish on a swift counterattack.
“It was a spectacular game for everyone. They could have won, or us, but we managed to take it,” said Raphinha post-match.
The result guarantees Barcelona a place in the last 16 and keeps their Champions League aspirations alive.
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