Barcelona continued their impressive run in the UEFA Champions League, securing a dominant 3-1 victory over Benfica at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The win saw them progress to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate triumph, maintaining their unbeaten record across all competitions in 2025.
Barcelona’s Fast Start Sets the Tone
Coming into the match with a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Lisbon, Barcelona wasted no time stamping their authority on the game. Hansi Flick’s side, well-rested after their weekend fixture against Osasuna was postponed due to the tragic passing of the club’s first-team doctor, looked determined to put the tie beyond Benfica’s reach early on.
The opening goal came in the 11th minute when Lamine Yamal displayed incredible skill, dribbling past his marker before delivering a pinpoint cross to the back post. Raphinha was perfectly positioned to tap in, doubling Barcelona’s aggregate lead and sending the home fans into celebration.
When the assist is more beautiful than the goal.
Lamine Yamal is a MF beast! pic.twitter.com/YzLyinn67v
— (@Ekene094) March 11, 2025
However, Benfica responded immediately. Just two minutes later, experienced defender Nicolás Otamendi gave the Portuguese side hope by heading in from an Andreas Schjelderup corner, making him the third-oldest goalscorer in Champions League knockout history.
Yamal Creates History
Despite Benfica’s quick response, Barcelona remained in control, with Robert Lewandowski and Yamal both testing the visitors’ defense. The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Yamal, showing maturity beyond his years, curled a stunning left-footed shot into the far corner from 20 yards out.
You’re telling me Lamine Yamal is 17 years old…??? What a GOAL pic.twitter.com/N2GWhVqah2
— Rio (@RioStaysTrue) March 11, 2025
At just 16 years old, Yamal became the youngest player ever to score and assist in a single Champions League match, cementing his place in the history books. His electric pace and creativity continued to trouble Benfica, who struggled to contain the rising star.
Raphinha Completes His Brace
Barcelona’s dominance was evident, and before halftime, they put the tie to bed. Alejandro Balde made a driving run down the left flank, cutting through Benfica’s defense before squaring the ball to Raphinha, who finished clinically into the bottom corner for his second goal of the night.
With a commanding 3-1 lead in the match and 4-1 on aggregate, Barcelona shifted gears in the second half, controlling possession and dictating the tempo to ensure their safe passage into the last eight.
Benfica’s Late Fightback Falls Short
The Portuguese side, to their credit, continued to fight despite the odds being stacked against them. Zeki Amdouni came close to pulling one back for Benfica, but his powerful header was cleared off the line by Jules Koundé, denying the visitors any hope of a comeback.
Barcelona, meanwhile, could have added more goals, with Frenkie de Jong missing a golden opportunity from close range. However, with the game effectively won, Flick opted to rest key players ahead of their crucial La Liga showdown against Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona’s Unbeaten Run Continues
With this victory, Barcelona extended their unbeaten record across all competitions in 2025, boasting 14 wins and three draws. Their resurgence under Flick has been remarkable, with the team looking strong in all areas of the pitch.
The Catalans now turn their focus to their upcoming La Liga fixture, where they will face title rivals Atletico Madrid in a high-stakes encounter. Meanwhile, Benfica will need to regroup and refocus on their domestic campaign, as their struggles against Spanish opposition continue—managing only three wins in their last 25 encounters.
Barcelona’s performance against Benfica showcased their attacking brilliance and defensive resilience, further solidifying their status as strong contenders for this season’s Champions League crown. With young stars like Yamal stepping up and experienced players like Raphinha and Lewandowski leading the way, the Blaugrana look well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
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