Barcelona delivered a Champions League classic at Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night, edging out Benfica 5-4 in an unforgettable contest defined by dramatic twists, defensive frailties, and a last-gasp winner from Raphinha. Despite an early hat trick from Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis, the Catalan side clawed their way back, displaying remarkable resilience and a relentless attacking edge to secure a vital victory.
The night began with a disastrous defensive display from Barcelona, as Pavlidis struck just two minutes in to punish a disorganized backline. His predatory instincts shone as he capitalized on two more defensive lapses, completing a first-half hat trick that included a penalty. Wojciech Szczesny, Barcelona’s goalkeeper, had a night to forget, with poor positioning and rash decisions leaving the visitors staring at a 3-1 deficit by halftime.
The second half was a story of redemption for Barcelona. Raphinha gave his side hope with a deflected header that caught Benfica’s goalkeeper off-guard. However, the Portuguese side appeared to regain control after a Ronald Araujo own goal restored their two-goal cushion. Yet, Barcelona’s spirit remained unbroken. Robert Lewandowski converted his second penalty of the night, and Eric Garcia rose to meet a corner with a clinical header, leveling the match at 4-4 and setting up a pulsating finale.
Deep into stoppage time, with Benfica pushing forward, Raphinha emerged as Barcelona’s hero. A swift counterattack saw him surge into the box and slot the ball past the keeper, completing one of the most dramatic comebacks in Champions League history. However, the victory was not without controversy. Moments before Raphinha’s winner, Benfica had appealed for a penalty, sparking outrage among players and fans who felt the officiating had denied them a fair chance at salvaging the game.
While Barcelona celebrated an epic win, the match exposed glaring weaknesses in their defensive setup. Hansi Flick’s high defensive line was exploited repeatedly by Benfica’s sharp transitions and incisive passes. Szczesny’s poor showing in goal added to the vulnerability, raising questions about Flick’s decision to start him over other options. The defensive lapses almost overshadowed what was otherwise an exceptional attacking performance.
Despite their frailties at the back, Barcelona’s determination and attacking depth ultimately carried them to victory. Lewandowski’s clinical finishing, Raphinha’s composure under pressure, and the team’s collective resilience proved decisive. For Benfica, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but their spirited performance ensured they left a strong impression.
