Yamal and Raphinha Shine as Barcelona Surge into Champions League Quarters

FC Barcelona VS Benfica    Livescore / H2H stats and Live Streaming
Time:12-03-2025 01:45 Wednesday
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Barcelona secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Benfica, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, thanks to stellar performances from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. The dynamic duo were instrumental, each scoring and assisting, propelling Barcelona past their Portuguese opponents.

Yamal's dazzling solo run set up Raphinha's opener in the 14th minute, though Benfica quickly equalized through Nicolas Otamendi. However, Yamal restored Barcelona's lead with a stunning curled effort, showcasing his prodigious talent. Raphinha then added a third, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack, with VAR confirming the goal after initial confusion.

Yamal, at 17 years and 241 days, became the youngest player in Champions League history to score and assist in a single match, breaking records and cementing his status as a rising star. Raphinha's contribution was equally significant, joining Lionel Messi as only the second Barcelona player to score over 10 goals in a Champions League season.

Barcelona's victory marks their 20th+ Champions League quarter-final appearance, joining Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in this elite club. The team now awaits the outcome of the Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille tie to determine their next opponent.