Barcelona Extends Unbeaten Champions League Streak with Stunning 5-4 Victory Over Benfica
In a thrilling and dramatic Champions League encounter, Barcelona secured a 5-4 victory over Benfica at the Estadio da Luz, maintaining their unbeaten run in the competition. Despite a disastrous start, the Blaugrana came from behind to clinch an incredible win.
The match began with an early setback for Barcelona as Benfica’s left-back Alvaro Carreras delivered a precise cross, allowing Vangelis Pavlidis to score a stunning opener past Wojciech Szczesny, making his Champions League debut for Barcelona. However, Barcelona responded swiftly, leveling the score just 11 minutes later. Alejandro Balde’s brilliant run was halted by a foul in the box from Antonio Silva, with Robert Lewandowski converting the resulting penalty to make it 1-1.
Barcelona looked to have regained control, but Szczesny’s blunder handed Pavlidis a second goal, and the Greek striker completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Szczesny fouled him inside the area. Raphinha then produced an unlikely goal, heading into the net following a clearance by Anatolii Trubin, but a quick own goal from Ronald Araujo put Benfica 4-2 ahead.
Despite trailing 4-2 with just 15 minutes left, Barcelona mounted a remarkable comeback. Lewandowski scored his second penalty of the night, and Eric Garcia headed in the equalizer. In the dying moments of the match, with Benfica awarded a penalty, Raphinha stunned the crowd with a brilliant strike to secure a last-gasp 5-4 win.
This sensational victory ensures Barcelona’s place in the Champions League Round of 16, showcasing their resilience and never-say-die attitude.