Barcelona Secure Champions League Quarter-Final Spot with Dominant 3-1 Win Over Benfica
Barcelona advanced to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win. This result maintains their unbeaten record across all competitions in 2025, with 14 wins and 3 draws.
First Half: Early Drama and Barcelona’s Control
The match at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium began with a minute of silence in memory of Dr. Carles Miñarro, the team’s late doctor. Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, started strongly and quickly doubled their aggregate lead.
In the 11th minute, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal showcased his brilliance, dribbling past defenders before delivering a pinpoint cross to Raphinha, who volleyed home at the back post.
However, Benfica responded almost immediately. Two minutes later, veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi capitalized on a well-delivered corner, heading the ball past Wojciech Szczęsny to level the score. At 37 years and 27 days old, Otamendi became the third-oldest scorer in Champions League knockout history.
Barcelona quickly regained control. Robert Lewandowski and Yamal both came close to restoring their lead before Yamal finally found the breakthrough in the 27th minute. The teenager curled a stunning shot into the far corner from outside the box, making history as the youngest player ever to score and assist in a single Champions League match.
Before halftime, Barcelona extended their lead further. Alejandro Balde made a blistering run down the left flank, beating multiple defenders before setting up Raphinha, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. This was Raphinha’s second goal of the night, cementing his status as one of the top performers in the competition this season.
Second Half: Controlled Performance and Defensive Strength
With a comfortable lead, Barcelona managed the game efficiently in the second half. Benfica, needing multiple goals to mount a comeback, struggled to break through a well-organized Barcelona defense.
The midfield duo of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri controlled possession, limiting Benfica’s attacking chances. The visitors’ best opportunity came when substitute Zeki Amdouni’s goal-bound header was blocked on the line by Jules Koundé, preserving Barcelona’s two-goal lead.
As the match progressed, Flick introduced Gavi and Ferran Torres to maintain energy levels and see out the game. Despite a few late efforts from Benfica, Barcelona remained solid and secured their passage to the quarter-finals.
Looking Ahead: Quarter-Finals and La Liga Challenges
With this victory, Barcelona moves into the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face a strong opponent yet to be determined. Their current form and depth make them serious contenders for the title.
Domestically, their focus now shifts to an important La Liga fixture against Atlético Madrid. With the title race heating up, maintaining momentum will be crucial in both competitions.
Conclusion: A Tribute to Dr. Miñarro and a Statement of Strength
This victory was more than just a step toward European glory; it was also a tribute to Dr. Carles Miñarro. The team displayed resilience, unity, and a hunger for success, proving their strength in difficult circumstances.
With experienced stars like Raphinha leading the way and young talents like Yamal making history, Barcelona’s future looks incredibly bright as they continue their journey toward Champions League glory.
Barcelona vs. Benfica: Key Questions Answered
Q: What was the result of the Barcelona vs. Benfica match?
Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, winning 4-1 on aggregate.
Q: Who were the goal scorers in the match?
Raphinha scored twice for Barcelona, while Lamine Yamal added a stunning goal. Nicolás Otamendi scored Benfica’s only goal.
Q: What record did Raphinha achieve with his performance?
Raphinha’s second goal made him the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single Champions League season, with 11 goals.
Q: Who will Barcelona face in the quarter-finals?
Barcelona will face the winner of the Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund tie in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Q: Did Benfica have any chances to come back?
Benfica had a few opportunities, including a goal-bound header from Zeki Amdouni, which was cleared off the line by Jules Koundé. However, they struggled to break down Barcelona’s defense
Q: What records were broken in this match?
- Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in Champions League history to both score and assist in a knockout match.
- Nicolás Otamendi became the third-oldest player to score in a Champions League knockout match at 37 years and 27 days old.
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