Barcelona’s Raphinha scored deep into stoppage time to hand his side a dramatic 5-4 comeback win at Benfica and a place in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday after a hat-trick from Vangelis Pavlidis gave the hosts a two-goal halftime lead.
The Catalans had mirrored their poor recent LaLiga form in a shaky start at the Estadio da Luz, while coach Hansi Flick’s decision to field goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny raised questions as the Pole’s blunders led to two Benfica goals.
But Flick’s men fought back late in the game to clinch their spot in the next round as they sit second on 18 points after seven games heading into next week’s final first phase fixtures.
Benfica missed out on a win that would have taken them closer to the top eight, who qualify automatically for the last 16, dropping to 18th with 10 points among the playoff spots.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game. I know how difficult it is to play here against Benfica. They have players of the highest level,” former Sporting forward Raphinha told Movistar.
“We didn’t let ourselves get carried away when we were 3-1 down. It was a spectacular match for the spectators. Anyone could have won.”
Greek striker Pavlidis opened the scoring after two minutes with a tap-in before Robert Lewandowski equalised from the spot as VAR awarded Barca a penalty for a Tomas Araujo foul on Alejandro Balde in the 11th minute.
Pavlidis restored Benfica’s lead, capitalising on a poor run out by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who left the forward with an open goal. The 26-year-old bagged his third with a penalty after Szczesny fouled Kerem Akturkoglu on the half-hour mark.
A blunder by Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin also proved costly as he cleared the ball straight onto Raphinha’s head and into the net for a bizarre goal as the visitors pulled one back in the 64th minute to make it 3-2.
Barcelona’s defensive misfortune continued however and Benfica extended their lead again four minutes later thanks to an own goal from Ronald Araujo before Lewandowski scored his second with another clinical penalty in the 78th.
Substitute Eric Garcia then equalised with a towering header from a fine Pedri cross three minutes from time before Raphinha found the winner six minutes into stoppage time from a quick counter-attack that stunned the home crowd.
“It was an incredible victory. The team didn’t lose their heads throughout the game,” defender Garcia said. “When you start the game losing, it messes your plans.
“It’s important to qualify for the next round, we came with this objective in mind.”
Barca host Atalanta in their final first phase game next Wednesday when Benfica will look to bounce back at Juventus.
(Reuters)
