
RAPHINHA SCORED A DOUBLE AGAINST BENFICA
The MVP of the Champions! Raphinha completes the historic comeback of Barça in Lisbon
Published:21/01/2025 - 23:46h
Updated:22/01/2025 - 02:36h
Raphinha led the historic comeback of FC Barcelona against Benfica (4-5) with a double that qualified the culés for the round of 16 of the Champions
Raphinha has undoubtedly been the MVP of FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Against Benfica (4-5), the Brazilian scored another double that completed the historic comeback of the culés at the Estádio da Luz, a venue always challenging for the azulgrana team. Hansi Flick's team was down on the scoreboard 3-1 and 4-2, but managed to turn the game around with a goal from Porto Alegre in the 90+6'.
In the last play of the match, Benfica had a free kick where the Portuguese side sought victory. Up to six players from the Lisbon team entered the Catalan area to try to score, but a long clearance from Fermín López allowed Barça to counterattack. Ferran Torres extended with another pass into space for Raphinha who, despite having two defenders on him, expertly controlled the ball to, with time and space, unleash a shot to the near post and seal the match.
AND CHAOS ERUPTED AT DA LUZ.
— Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) January 21, 2025
Raphinha scores the 4-5 for Barça in the 96' after an action where Benfica claimed a penalty. #UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/0I5R50EGn0
Raphinha revived Barça in their worst moment
Previously, in the 64th minute, the '11' had reduced the deficit on the scoreboard with one of the strangest goals in Champions League history. The azulgrana winger headed a long goal kick from goalkeeper Anatoli Trubin, and the header, from outside the area, ended up in the back of the net. Even Rafa himself seemed to not understand what had happened, as the impact of the ball was very hard. For Barça, the 3-2 came at a crucial moment, just when Hansi Flick's team was struggling the most.
With his double against Benfica, the team he suffered the most against during his time in the Portuguese league (0 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses in 8 matches with Vitória Guimarães and Sporting CP), the Brazilian reached 8 goals in the tournament, only surpassed by Robert Lewandowski (9), who also scored twice thanks to two penalties. The 28-year-old winger has led the awakening of a Barça that has now achieved its sixth consecutive victory after the defeat in the debut against Monaco (2-1), a streak that, regardless of what happens in the rest of matchday 7 and the final date next week, certifies the azulgrana qualification for the round of 16, without needing to play the 'playoff'.
At the 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, at the 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 😳
— Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) January 21, 2025
Trubin's long goal kick found Raphinha.#UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/ooYf2lhVhQ
Raphinha explained what happened after the azulgrana's winning goal
After the match, Rafa reflected on the victory and the culé reaction in a stadium that is always difficult for any team. "They know how to play very well here. They have players of the highest level. We didn't let ourselves go down with the 3-1. We came back focused on our game to try to change the match. It was a spectacular game for everyone. Benfica could very well have won or us, but we took it," pointed out the Porto Alegre native.
After the end of the match, there was a scuffle with several Lisbon players. Regarding this, Raphinha explained what happened, noting insults from both the local fans and several rivals. "We all got heated; when I was leaving for the locker room, I was insulted and I returned the favor. I respect if they respect me, but I won't stay silent if they insult me. It's normal after a match like this," clarified the Barça winger.
🤦🏻♂️ Raphinha and the final mess in the locker room tunnel:
— Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) January 21, 2025
"When I was leaving the field, I was insulted and I returned the favor. In the end, we all got heated but I don't take anything home with me." #LaCasaDelFútbol #UCL pic.twitter.com/Rc6HzYx6H8