In a match that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in UEFA Champions League history, FC Barcelona secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over SL Benfica at the Estádio da Luz on January 21, 2025. This win not only showcased Barcelona’s resilience but also ensured their progression to the last 16 of the competition.
First Half: A Rollercoaster Start
The game began with an explosive start from Benfica, as Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Barcelona responded swiftly; a foul on Alejandro Balde by Tomás Araújo led to a penalty, which Robert Lewandowski converted in the 11th minute to level the score. However, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s misjudgments proved costly for Barcelona. In the 17th minute, Szczesny’s errant run allowed Pavlidis to net his second goal. Shortly after, a foul by Szczesny on Kerem Aktürkoglu resulted in another penalty, enabling Pavlidis to complete his hat-trick by the 30th minute, giving Benfica a commanding 3-1 lead.
Second Half: The Comeback
Barcelona emerged from the break with renewed determination. In the 64th minute, Raphinha reduced the deficit by pressuring goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin into a clearance that rebounded off the Brazilian and into the net. Benfica seemed to regain control when Ronald Araújo inadvertently scored an own goal in the 68th minute, making it 4-2. Undeterred, Barcelona pressed on. Lewandowski converted his second penalty in the 78th minute after a foul on Lamine Yamal, bringing the score to 4-3. Defender Eric García then equalized in the 87th minute with a powerful header from a Pedri cross. The climax came in the 96th minute when Raphinha completed the comeback, slotting home the winner after a swift counter-attack, sealing a 5-4 victory for Barcelona.
Post-Match Reactions
Raphinha, who was instrumental in the comeback, expressed his commitment to the team, stating, “I will kill and die for this team.”
Defender Eric García highlighted the team’s perseverance: “It was an incredible victory. The team didn’t lose their heads throughout the game.”
Head coach Hansi Flick reflected on the match, admitting, “I’ve never experienced a comeback like this.”
Implications and Looking Ahead
This victory propels Barcelona to 18 points, securing their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League. Benfica, with 10 points, now faces a crucial match against Juventus to secure a playoff spot. Barcelona will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Atalanta in their final group stage match.
This match not only exemplified the unpredictability and excitement of football but also underscored Barcelona’s fighting spirit and determination to succeed on Europe’s grandest stage.
