Benfica vs Barcelona: A Gutsy Victory for the Catalans

Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Benfica vs Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on March 5, 2025. The match, held at the iconic Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, was a thrilling encounter that showcased Barcelona’s resilience and determination.

Match Highlights

The game began with high intensity, as both teams sought to gain an early advantage. However, Barcelona faced a major setback in the 22nd minute when young defender Pau Cubarsi received a red card for a last-man foul on Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis. Reduced to 10 men, Barcelona had to dig deep to stay in the game.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny delivered a stellar performance, making a series of crucial saves to deny Benfica’s relentless attacks. Szczesny’s heroics kept the scoreline level until the 61st minute, when Raphinha capitalized on a defensive error by Benfica’s Antonio Silva to score the decisive goal.

Key Performances 

• Wojciech Szczesny: The Polish goalkeeper was the standout player of the match, making eight saves to keep a clean sheet. His quick reflexes and composure under pressure were instrumental in Barcelona’s victory.
• Raphinha: The Brazilian winger continued his impressive form, scoring the match-winning goal and proving to be a constant threat to Benfica’s defense.

Statistical Overview

• Possession: Barcelona (52%) vs. Benfica (48%)
• Shots on Target: Benfica (8) vs. Barcelona (4)
• Corners: Benfica (6) vs. Barcelona (3)

What’s Next?

The second leg of this Round of 16 clash will take place at Camp Nou, where Barcelona will look to capitalize on their narrow lead. Benfica, on the other hand, will aim to overturn the deficit and keep their Champions League dreams alive.

Conclusion

This match was a testament to Barcelona’s grit and determination. Despite being a man down for most of the game, they managed to secure a crucial away victory. With the second leg looming, fans can expect another thrilling encounter between these two European giants.