HISTORICAL COMEBACK: Raphinha becomes a hero and rescues Barça against Benfica (4-5)

The FC Barcelona returned to action in the 2024-25 Champions League, and they did it in style, at the level of the best team in the world. The blaugrana team traveled to the Estádio da Luz to face Benfica and experienced a magical night, one of those that win championships, in a hostile environment against a tough opponent. Against all odds, in a display of absolute character, hierarchy, and good football, the Catalans achieved a victory that will be remembered by Barça fans (4-5).

The team of Hansi Flick triumphed over the benfiquenses in a visit that always poses a challenge for the team. However, the German continues to demonstrate that he came to the City of Barcelona to change history, and although it seemed that his team would suffer another setback in Lisbon, they secured the three points with an epic comeback and ensured their direct qualification to the round of 16, placing themselves in second position in the table with 18 points.

A first half to forget

The night could not have started worse for Barça. Just two minutes into the match, Álvaro Carreras, a left-back who is on the Catalan radar, sent a 'poisonous' cross into the blaugrana area for Pavlidis, who with a great first-time finish, opened the scoring for the home team.

Flick's men responded quickly, as at the 13' Lewandowski equalized from the penalty spot. The referee awarded a clear penalty in favor of the Catalans for a blatant stomp on Alejandro Balde, and the Pole celebrated a goal against his favorite victim. In total, 'Lewy' has scored 9 times against the Lisbon team, making them the opponent he has scored the most goals against in the Champions League.

However, everything would come crashing down 10 minutes later. A very poor clearance from Wojciech Szczesny, who attempted to intercept a long pass from Otamendi, ended with the goalkeeper taking out Balde and leaving Pavlidis alone in front of the goal, who put Benfica back in the lead.

VAR was at it again... this time in Europe

After the Greek's double, the most controversial play of the match would arrive. Half an hour into the first half, Aktürkoğlu found himself one-on-one with Szczesny inside the area, and in an attempt to neutralize the Turkish player, the '25' Catalan threw himself at his feet and 'brought him down', prompting the match referee, Danny Makkelie, to award a penalty to Benfica.

However, in the replay, it is clear that 'Tek' never touched the Benfica forward, but the VAR decided not to intervene and, in an unusual and shameful manner, upheld the initial sanction of the referee, confirming that the refereeing persecution against Barça has also extended to the continental level. After the referee's omission, Pavlidis completed his 'hat-trick' and both teams went into halftime with much to define.

A comeback for the history books

The second 45 minutes were played at a frantic pace. Trubin brought Barça back into the match after his clearance attempt struck Raphinha on the head, reducing the deficit with a goal that 'hinted' at what was to come. Ronald Araujo seemed to bury the Catalans' chances with an own goal, but Lamine Yamal came to the rescue and earned a penalty for Lewandowski to bring his team closer again.

As the match was nearing its end, Eric García donned the mantle of Carles Puyol against Germany in South Africa 2010 and celebrated the equalizing goal with a powerful header. Barça, then, sought victory and Araujo redemption, with the Uruguayan playing as a '9' in the final minutes of the match. However, the hero would be someone else.

In the last play of the match, Raphinha accelerated from his own half and, after beating the last defender of Benfica in a one-on-one, sealed the historic triumph for the blaugranas with the comeback goal. With this memorable victory, the Catalans secure direct qualification to the round of 16 and officially present their candidacy to lift the 'ear' in Munich on May 31.

Match details:    

• Benfica, 4: Trubin; Tomás Araújo, António Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes (Barreiro, min. 61), Florentino, Rollheiser (Rollheiser, min. 80); Aktürkoğlu (Bah, min. 71), Pavlidis (Amdouni, min. 80) y Schjelderup (Di María, min. 71).
• FC Barcelona, 5: Wojciech Szczesny (P);  Koundé (Eric García, min. 74), Pau Cubarsí, Araujo, Balde (Ferran Torres, min. 74); Casadó (Frenkie de Jong, min. 62), Gavi (Fermín López, min. 62), Pedri; Lamine Yamal (Gerard Martín, min. 90+3), Raphinha, Lewandowski.
• Goals: 1-0 Pavlidis (min. 2); 1-1 Lewandowski (min. 13, P); 2-1 Pavlidis (min. 22); 3-1 Pavlidis (min. 22, P); 3-2 Raphinha (min. 64); 4-2 Araujo (min. 68, P.P.); 4-3 Lewandowski (min. 78, P); 4-4 Eric García (min. 86); 4-5 Raphinha (min. 90+5).
• Referee: Danny Makkelie. He sanctioned Benfica's Carreras and Barcelona's Gavi and Koundé.