In one of the most unforgettable nights of this year’s Champions League, Barcelona staged an astonishing comeback to defeat Benfica 5-4 in Lisbon.
A 96th-minute goal from Raphinha sealed a controversial victory, leaving the home side fuming over a penalty appeal denied moments before the decisive strike.
The game began with Barcelona displaying their duality — moments of brilliance overshadowed by defensive frailty. Benfica capitalized on this early, with Vangelis Pavlidis breaking the deadlock.
The Greek striker soon doubled his tally after a disastrous collision between Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and left-back Alejandro Balde.
Szczesny’s nightmare continued as he conceded a penalty, allowing Pavlidis to complete a first-half hat-trick, giving Benfica a commanding 3-1 lead despite Robert Lewandowski’s composed penalty conversion for the Catalans.
After the hour mark, Barcelona clawed their way back into contention. Raphinha turned an error by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin into an unconventional goal, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
However, the visitors’ hopes seemed dashed when Ronald Araujo inadvertently turned Andreas Schjelderup’s cross into his own net, restoring Benfica’s two-goal cushion.
But drama unfolded in the final 20 minutes as Barcelona were handed a lifeline through Alvaro Carreras’ clumsy challenge, conceding a second penalty.
Lewandowski once again delivered, bringing the score to 4-3. With Benfica on the ropes, Eric Garcia equalized with a powerful header in the 86th minute, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
In stoppage time, Benfica’s Leandro Barreiro appeared to be pushed in the penalty area, but referee Danny Makkelie and VAR were unmoved. Just seconds later, Raphinha surged forward, delivering the winning goal and silencing the Estadio da Luz.
The match, filled with individual errors, breathtaking goals, and a controversial climax, showcased the chaos and beauty of football. For Barcelona, it was a night to remember; for Benfica, a bitter pill to swallow.
“We do not believe it! From 4-2 down to 5-4 up, Raphinha has won it with the last kick of the game!”
A headline-worthy Champions League classic.
