Barcelona 3-1 Benfica (4-1 agg): Raphinha and Yamal shine as Barca cruise past visitors into Champions League quarter-finals
Barcelona delivered a dominant first-half display to defeat Benfica 3-1 in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory and a place in the quarter-finals. Raphinha netted twice, while Lamine Yamal added a breathtaking goal in an electrifying performance.
The Catalan giants now await the winner between Lille and Borussia Dortmund, who will face off on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Teenage sensation Yamal stole the spotlight with a stunning individual performance, proving nearly unstoppable on the right wing and creating numerous scoring opportunities for his side. The 17-year-old Spanish winger showcased his brilliance early on, weaving past defenders to set up Raphinha’s opener in the 11th minute. His dazzling run left two Benfica players on the ground before delivering a pinpoint cross for the Brazilian forward to score with a close-range volley.
Benfica responded almost immediately, equalizing through a Nicolas Otamendi header from a corner just two minutes later. However, Barcelona remained relentless, with Yamal continuing to torment Benfica’s left-back Samuel Dahl. The teenager provided chances for Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo before finally restoring Barcelona’s lead in the 28th minute. Cutting inside, Yamal left Dahl trailing before launching a superb left-footed strike into the top-right corner of Anatoliy Trubin’s net.
At just 17 years and 241 days, Yamal set a new record as the youngest player to both score and assist in a single Champions League match, surpassing Breel Embolo’s previous mark from 2014 by 22 days.
Raphinha put the game beyond doubt in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack to extend Barcelona’s lead. The Brazilian now leads this season’s Champions League scoring charts with 11 goals, surpassing legendary countrymen such as Jardel, Rivaldo, Kaka, Neymar, and Firmino, who previously held the record for most goals by a Brazilian in a single campaign with 10.
After a blistering first half, Barcelona controlled the tempo following the break, easily managing a Benfica side that lacked the drive and attacking threat to stage a comeback. The second half played out like a training session, with the hosts comfortably maintaining their advantage.
Barcelona’s impressive form continues, extending their unbeaten run to 17 matches across all competitions. They remain in contention for a treble, leading LaLiga and reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Their next domestic challenge comes on April 2, when they face Atletico Madrid in the return leg after an exhilarating 4-4 first-leg draw.
Following the match, Raphinha expressed confidence in Barcelona’s title aspirations. "We are real candidates on all fronts," he told Movistar Plus. "We knew Benfica would come here quite strong and we knew what we had to do to win the game. We were focused on this. We had the result in our favour and we played a good first half."
Reflecting on Yamal’s remarkable goal, he added, "Yamal's goal is spectacular. It shows what he is. A player with tremendous quality. We have everything to win with him at our side."
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