Barcelona vs Benfica: Champions League Match recap

In a high-stakes UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match on March 5, 2025, FC Barcelona showcased resilience and tactical prowess, securing a 1-0 victory over SL Benfica at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz. This win places the Catalan club in a favorable position as they approach the second leg at Camp Nou.

Early Setbacks and Tactical Adjustments

The match commenced with Benfica asserting dominance, pressing high and creating early chances. In the 22nd minute, a pivotal moment unfolded when Barcelona’s young defender, Pau Cubarsí, committed a last-man foul on Vangelis Pavlidis, leading to a straight red card. This ejection compelled Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, to make immediate tactical adjustments. He introduced seasoned defender Ronald Araújo, sacrificing midfielder Dani Olmo, to reinforce the backline.

Szczesny’s Goalkeeping Masterclass

Despite being a man down, Barcelona’s defensive unit, anchored by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, remained resolute. Szczesny, who came out of retirement to replace the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, delivered a stellar performance. He made eight crucial saves, five of which came in the second half, thwarting Benfica’s persistent attacks. His reflexes were particularly highlighted when he denied Fredrik Aursnes from close range and later parried a powerful strike from Renato Sanches in stoppage time.

Raphinha’s Decisive Strike

The deadlock was broken in the 61st minute. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Benfica, Raphinha intercepted a misplaced pass and unleashed a left-footed shot from outside the box. The ball deflected off a defender, nestling into the bottom corner of the net, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. This goal not only underscored Raphinha’s opportunism but also marked his 25th goal of the season, reflecting his consistent form.

Benfica’s Unyielding Effort

In response to the setback, Benfica intensified their offensive efforts. They dominated possession, registering 26 total shots with eight on target. However, their endeavors were met with frustration as Szczesny stood as an impenetrable barrier. Notably, in the dying moments, Renato Sanches’s attempt from the edge of the box was spectacularly saved, encapsulating Benfica’s night of near misses.

Managerial Insights

Post-match, Hansi Flick expressed immense pride in his team’s performance under challenging circumstances. He lauded their defensive solidity and Szczesny’s exceptional contributions. Flick remarked, “After playing 22 minutes with one less player, it’s a great performance. They ran a lot and gave it their all.”

Looking Ahead

The narrow victory provides Barcelona with a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at Camp Nou. However, both teams are acutely aware that the tie remains open. Benfica will aim to overturn the deficit, while Barcelona will seek to capitalize on their home advantage to secure progression to the quarterfinals.

Match Statistics
• Possession: Benfica 51% – 49% Barcelona
• Total Shots: Benfica 26 – 10 Barcelona
• Shots on Target: Benfica 8 – 5 Barcelona
• Corners: Benfica 13 – 4 Barcelona
• Expected Goals (xG): Benfica 1.90 – 1.19 Barcelona

Player Performances
• Benfica:
• Vangelis Pavlidis: Consistently threatened the Barcelona defense, drawing the foul that led to Cubarsí’s red card.
• Renato Sanches: Injected energy into Benfica’s midfield, with his late attempt nearly altering the match’s outcome.
• Barcelona:
• Wojciech Szczesny: His goalkeeping heroics were instrumental in preserving Barcelona’s lead.
• Raphinha: Demonstrated clinical finishing and tactical awareness, making the decisive difference.

Historical Context

This encounter added another chapter to the storied history between Benfica and Barcelona. Their previous meeting in January 2025 was a nine-goal thriller, with Barcelona emerging victorious 5-4. Such high-scoring affairs highlight the attacking philosophies and rich legacies of both clubs.

Conclusion

Barcelona’s triumph in Lisbon exemplifies their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. As both teams prepare for the return leg, football enthusiasts can anticipate another captivating contest, with a place in the Champions League quarterfinals at stake.
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