The Barcelona vs Benfica Champions League 2025 clash in the Round of 16 delivered exciting football, tactical battles, and standout performances. Across both legs, Barcelona’s attacking quality and defensive resilience secured them a 4-1 aggregate victory, booking their spot in the quarter-finals.
Let’s break down both legs, key moments, and what this result means for both teams.
First Leg: Benfica 0-1 Barcelona – A Hard-Fought Victory
Barcelona started cautiously in Lisbon but gradually took control of possession. Benfica, playing in front of their home crowd, pressed aggressively but failed to capitalize on their early chances.
Key Moments
- ✔ Raphinha’s Winning Goal – In the 67th minute, Raphinha finished off a brilliant through ball from Pedri, scoring the only goal of the match.
- ✔ Pau Torres Red Card – Barcelona had to play with ten men after Pau Torres received his second yellow card in the 74th minute.
- ✔ Ter Stegen’s Saves – The German goalkeeper denied Benfica’s Rafa Silva and João Mário late in the game, keeping a clean sheet.
Post-Match Reaction
Barcelona’s manager praised the team’s discipline, saying, “It was a tough match, but we showed our character. Now, we must finish the job at home.”
Second Leg: Barcelona 3-1 Benfica – Young Stars Shine in a Dominant Performance
Barcelona entered the second leg with confidence. Despite a strong start from Benfica, the home side’s attacking quality proved too much for the Portuguese giants.
Key Moments
- ✔ Lamine Yamal’s Record-Breaking Goal – The 17-year-old sensation opened the scoring in the 12th minute, becoming the youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout stage.
- ✔ Raphinha’s Double – The Brazilian winger added two more goals, showcasing his clinical finishing.
- ✔ Otamendi’s Consolation Goal – Benfica’s veteran defender pulled one back in the 55th minute, but it wasn’t enough to inspire a comeback.
Post-Match Reaction
Barcelona’s coach highlighted the team’s growth, stating, “This is the Barcelona we want to see. The young players stepped up, and we’re ready for the next challenge.”
Key Takeaways from the Barcelona vs Benfica Champions League 2025 Clash
- Lamine Yamal is the future of Barcelona football: The 17-year-old’s performance cemented his place as a rising star. His goal and assist in the second leg demonstrated his composure and attacking flair.
- Raphinha’s Influence Continues to Grow: With three goals across both legs, Raphinha was Barcelona’s most dangerous attacker. His ability to perform in high-pressure matches makes him crucial for the team’s success.
- Defensive Solidity Despite Challenges: Even with Pau Torres’ red card in the first leg, Barcelona’s defense remained organized. Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé led the backline effectively.
- Benfica Showed Fight but Fell Short: Benfica played with intensity, especially in the first leg, but their inability to capitalize on key moments cost them. Their Champions League journey ends here, but they remain a strong team in Europe.
With this 4-1 aggregate victory, Barcelona moves into the quarter-finals, where they will face stronger opposition. Fans will be eager to see if this young and dynamic squad can go all the way in the UEFA Champions League 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates and match previews as Barcelona continues their European journey.
