In a dramatic UEFA Champions League showdown, Barcelona staged a stunning late comeback to defeat Benfica 5-4 in Lisbon, virtually securing their spot in the competition’s round of 16.
Trailing 4-2 with less than 15 minutes on the clock, Barcelona rallied with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Eric Garcia, and Raphinha, whose stoppage-time winner capped off an unforgettable night.
Pavlidis’ Hat-Trick Stuns Barcelona Early In The UEFA Champions League
Benfica took an early lead in the second minute as Vangelis Pavlidis finished Alvaro Carreras’ low cross. Despite Robert Lewandowski equalizing with a penalty after Alejandro Balde was fouled, Pavlidis netted twice more, completing a first-half hat-trick aided by critical errors from Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Szczesny, brought out of retirement to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, endured a nightmare outing, gifting Pavlidis two goals. The Polish keeper’s rash challenge on Kerem Akturkoglu resulted in a penalty that gave Benfica a 3-1 advantage.
Barcelona’s Resilience and Dramatic Comeback
Raphinha’s unconventional goal—via a clearance from Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin deflecting off his head—sparked hope for the visitors. However, Ronald Araujo’s own goal saw Barcelona fall 4-2 behind in the UEFA Champions League.
Lewandowski’s composure from the spot narrowed the gap after Nicolas Otamendi fouled Lamine Yamal. Substitute Eric Garcia then headed home from Pedri’s cross, leveling the score in the dying moments of regular time.
Raphinha’s Heroics
In stoppage time, with Benfica appealing for a penalty, Barcelona launched a swift counterattack. Raphinha calmly slotted home the winner, completing a remarkable turnaround for the Catalan side.
Barcelona remain three points behind group leaders Liverpool, while Benfica’s hopes of progression hang by a thread. The Catalans’ grit and Raphinha’s heroics keep their Champions League dreams alive as they chase their first title since 2015.
