An Epic Night: Barcelona Edges Benfica 5-4

In an unforgettable football night, FC Barcelona secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Benfica in the seventh round of the Champions League group stage at the Estádio da Luz.

This win propels Barcelona to 18 points, securing their spot in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Benfica remains at 10 points, finishing 18th and exiting the competition.

The match began with Benfica dominating early, as Vangelis Pavlidis scored in the 7th minute from a well-placed cross. Barcelona responded quickly with a penalty awarded to Baldé, converted by Robert Lewandowski in the 13th minute.

Pavlidis struck again in the 22nd minute after an error by goalkeeper Szczęsny. Benfica earned another penalty shortly after, with Pavlidis completing his hat-trick in the 30th minute.

Despite trailing 3-1, Barcelona fought back. A bizarre goal by Raphinha in the 64th minute and an own goal by Araújo in the 68th minute brought the score to 4-2.

The final moments were electrifying: a penalty converted by Lewandowski in the 77th minute and an equalizer by Eric García in the 87th minute reignited Barcelona’s hopes. Raphinha sealed the victory with a counterattack goal in the 90+5th minute, securing three crucial points for the Catalans.

This victory highlights Barcelona’s resurgence in the Champions League, while Benfica faces a bitter exit and a need to reassess.