Barcelona secured a crucial 0-1 win over Benfica in Lisbon, putting them just one step away from the Champions League quarterfinals. Despite playing with a man down after Pau Cubarsí’s red card in the 22nd minute, Barça overcame adversity, with Raphinha scoring a brilliant goal that put them in a commanding position for the return leg.
The match was tense, with both teams showing a clear urgency to score in the first half. However, Barcelona struggled defensively, especially after Cubarsí’s red card. Despite several clear chances, including a triple miss by Olmo, Lewandowski, and Yamal, the score remained 0-0 at halftime, with Szczesny making several key saves to keep Barcelona in the game.
In the second half, Xavi’s team played more cautiously, aware that the draw was favorable in an away first leg. However, a mistake from Antonio Silva, who gifted the ball to Raphinha, allowed the Brazilian to score the only goal of the match with a precise shot from outside the box. From that point on, Barcelona controlled the game with intelligence, defending well and neutralizing Benfica’s desperate attempts.
This victory puts Barcelona one foot in the quarterfinals, leaving Benfica with few options for the return leg.
