Raphinha netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Benfica 5-4 on Tuesday, securing almost certain direct qualification to the Champions League knockout stages. Benfica were leading 4-2 with just under 15 minutes left, but Barcelona fought back to close the gap to just three points behind Liverpool at the top.
Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis scored a first-half hat-trick, helped by two costly mistakes from Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. However, a brace from Raphinha, a Robert Lewandowski penalty double, and Eric Garcia’s header gave Barcelona an incredible last-minute victory in Lisbon.
Raphinha spoke to Movistar after the match, acknowledging the difficulty of the challenge: “We knew how tough it would be here, against their fans, and with such high-level players. At 3-1 down, we stayed focused and didn’t let ourselves get discouraged.”
READ ALSO: Ex-punch staff loots associates to fund luxury lifestyle
Benfica took an early lead in the second minute when Pavlidis outran Pau Cubarsi and scored from Alvaro Carreras’ low cross. Barcelona quickly responded with Lewandowski converting a penalty after Alejandro Balde was fouled by Tomas Araujo.
Benfica regained the lead through a stroke of luck when Szczesny came out of goal to intercept a through-ball but collided with Balde. Pavlidis was quick to capitalize on the loose ball and slotted in his second goal into the empty net.
Barcelona’s woes continued as Szczesny made another mistake, giving away a penalty when he fouled Kerem Akturkoglu while attempting to dispossess him. Pavlidis completed his hat-trick from the spot.
Despite missing several chances before halftime, including attempts by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Barcelona continued pressing forward. Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin denied Jules Kounde, and Lewandowski failed to score from a dangerous Pedri cross.
