Barcelona secured a convincing 3-1 win over Benfica on Tuesday, advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha stole the show, scoring a goal each in the first half as the Catalans dominated the Portuguese side.
Raphinha netted either side of Yamal’s stunning strike, giving Barcelona a three-goal aggregate lead. Benfica’s Nicolas Otamendi had briefly leveled the scores, but the visitors were unable to contain Barcelona’s attacking prowess.
“We played a great game, and we’re happy to be in the quarter-finals,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. “We have to be proud of our performance.”
Barcelona’s victory sets up a potential quarter-final clash with either Borussia Dortmund or Lille. The five-time Champions League winners aim to win the competition for the first time since 2015.
The match began with a moment of silence in honor of Barcelona’s late club doctor, Carles Minarro, who passed away on Saturday. The players then took to the field, with Barcelona quickly taking the lead through Raphinha’s simple finish in the 11th minute.
Benfica leveled within two minutes, but Yamal’s sensational shot in the 18th minute restored Barcelona’s lead. Raphinha then grabbed his second goal before halftime, giving Barcelona a commanding advantage.
The second half saw Benfica push forward, but Barcelona’s defense held firm. Fredrik Aursnes’ goal was disallowed for offside, and Barcelona came close to scoring a fourth through Frenkie de Jong.
Barcelona now await their quarter-final opponent and will focus on their upcoming La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid on Sunday.