Barcelona wasted no time asserting their dominance in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash against Benfica at Montjuïc. In the 11th minute, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal dazzled with a brilliant solo run down the right wing before delivering a pinpoint cross for Raphinha, who clinically finished to give Barcelona the lead.
However, Benfica responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Nicolás Otamendi capitalized on a well-delivered corner, rising highest to power a header past Marc-André ter Stegen and bring the visitors level. The equalizer momentarily silenced the home crowd, but Barcelona remained unfazed, determined to restore their advantage.
Yamal Makes Champions League History
Barcelona’s attacking persistence paid off in the 27th minute when Yamal etched his name into the record books. Collecting the ball just outside the box, the teenager curled a sensational left-footed shot into the top-right corner, leaving Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin with no chance. With that strike, Yamal became the youngest player in Champions League history to both score and assist in a single match at just 17 years and 241 days old.
His historic night didn’t stop there. Yamal continued to torment the Benfica defense with his dazzling dribbles and creative passing. His vision and composure under pressure further emphasized why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football.
Raphinha Secures Victory Before Halftime
Barcelona further strengthened their grip on the match just before the break. In the 42nd minute, a swift counter-attack saw Raphinha latch onto a precise through-ball before calmly slotting the ball past Trubin to make it 3-1. The Brazilian’s brace not only extended The team’s lead but also made him the current top scorer in the Champions League this season with 11 goals.
With a comfortable advantage at halftime and a 4-1 lead on aggregate, Barcelona was in firm control. The first-half display was a testament to their attacking efficiency, led by the youthful brilliance of Yamal and the experience of Raphinha.
Barcelona Dominate the Second Half
The second half saw Barcelona shift their focus to game management, effectively neutralizing Benfica’s attempts to stage a comeback. Their midfield trio dictated the tempo, maintaining possession and limiting the Portuguese side to half-chances. Defensively, Jules Koundé and Ronald Araújo stood firm, ensuring there were no defensive lapses that could give Benfica a lifeline.
Despite occasional efforts from Benfica, The team’s discipline and tactical organization ensured that the 3-1 scoreline remained intact until the final whistle. Hansi Flick’s side demonstrated both their attacking firepower and their ability to control games, sending a strong statement to their potential quarter-final opponents.
Yamal Eyes Another Record as Barcelona Await Next Opponent
As Barcelona secured their quarter-final berth, all eyes were on Lamine Yamal, who continued to break records at a remarkable rate. With his goal and assist against Benfica, Yamal now stands on the brink of another milestone—should he play in the first leg of the quarter-finals, he will surpass Julian Draxler’s record for the most Champions League knockout round appearances before turning 18.
Barcelona will now await the winner of the Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund tie to determine their next opponent. With their last Champions League triumph dating back to 2015, the Catalan giants are eager to reclaim European glory. A potential El Clásico final against Real Madrid looms as an exciting prospect, but for now, Barcelona’s focus remains on the quarter-finals, where they hope to continue their impressive campaign.
