Benfica 4-5 Barcelona: Raphinha hits 96th-minute winner

In their match against Benfica, Barcelona twice fought back from two-goal deficits, ultimately securing a thrilling victory with a dramatic counterattack. Benfica's goalkeeper, Szczęsny, became a focal point of the match, committing two significant errors.

The home side, Benfica, started strongly, with Greek forward Pavlidis scoring a hat-trick within 30 minutes, two of his goals resulting from errors by Polish goalkeeper Szczęsny. Barcelona responded with a penalty goal from Lewandowski. Subsequently, goals from Rafinha and Lewandowski, along with an own goal by Araújo, put Barça behind 3-4.

However, in the final moments of the match, García equalized with a header, and in the 96th minute, after Szczęsny saved a shot from Di María and a penalty call for Benfica was overturned, Rafinha seized an opportunity, scoring a one-on-one goal that stunned the home crowd. Barcelona completed an incredible comeback, securing their spot in the round of 16 with 18 points.

Benfica had taken an early lead when Carreras received the ball behind Koundé and crossed, allowing Pavlidis to smash the ball into the net. Subsequently, Barcelona equalized through a penalty by Lewandowski, after Thomas Araújo was judged to have stepped on Baldé's foot. Gavi's shot was saved by Trubin, while Araújo's header from a corner went wide.

Next, Szczęsny's errors began to surface. The former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper, making his first Champions League start for the club since returning from injury in October, rushed out of his box to clear a long ball but collided with teammate Baldé, allowing Pavlidis to easily score into an empty net. Szczęsny then rushed out again, tripping Benfica winger Aktürkoğlu, allowing Pavlidis to calmly convert the penalty, completing his hat-trick.

Early in the second half, Koundé’s shot from the back post failed to pull a goal back, while Orsnes took too many touches in a one-on-one situation. In the 64th minute, Rafinha’s goal was somewhat bizarre, with Trubin's clearance hitting the Brazilian forward’s head and bouncing into the net. However, Benfica extended their lead to two goals again four minutes later with an own goal by Araújo. Lewandowski responded again with another penalty, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

García's header leveled the score at 4-4, seemingly setting up a draw, until Rafinha's late winner. Ultimately, Barcelona staged a breathtaking comeback on the road, successfully advancing to the Champions League round of 16.