Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie, despite playing with ten men for most of the match. Raphinha’s stunning second-half strike gave Hansi Flick’s side a slim advantage heading into the return leg in Catalonia. However, it was Wojciech Szczesny’s heroics in goal that ensured the victory, as the veteran goalkeeper made a series of crucial saves.
The game began at a frenetic pace, with Benfica’s Kerem Akturkoglu forcing an early save from Szczesny. Barcelona responded through Dani Olmo, but Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin produced an incredible triple save to deny Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal in quick succession. The match took a dramatic turn in the 22nd minute when Barcelona’s teenage defender Pau Cubarsi was shown a red card for a last-man challenge on Vangelis Pavlidis.
Reduced to ten men, Barcelona were forced to adjust, with Flick bringing on Ronald Araujo to shore up the defense. Benfica pushed forward, sensing an opportunity, but Szczesny was in inspired form. The Polish goalkeeper, who came out of retirement to join Barcelona as an emergency signing, denied Orkun Kokcu’s free-kick and pulled off another fine save to stop an Akturkoglu header before halftime.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Barcelona remained dangerous. Early in the second half, Pavlidis wasted a golden opportunity for Benfica, blazing a cutback over the bar. Moments later, Barcelona punished the hosts for their wastefulness. Raphinha pounced on a misplaced pass from Antonio Silva, surged forward, and unleashed a powerful low drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards, silencing the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, with coach Bruno Lage introducing Andrea Belotti to add firepower. The Italian striker had a penalty appeal waved away in the closing stages, but an offside flag rendered the decision irrelevant. With time running out, Benfica launched a late barrage of corners, but Szczesny stood firm, producing a crucial stop in the 94th minute to deny Renato Sanches.
At just 18 years old, Cubarsi became the youngest player ever sent off in a Champions League knockout match, but his dismissal did not cost Barcelona. Flick’s side showed resilience and defensive discipline, securing a valuable away win. With the second leg at home, Barcelona will be confident of progressing, though Benfica will feel they missed a big opportunity.
