Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Benfica in the first leg, thanks to a stunning goal from Raphinha. The Brazilian forward's strike in the 61st minute proved to be the difference, but the match was far from straightforward for Hansi Flick's side.
The game took a dramatic turn early on when Cubarsí was shown a red card in the 22nd minute, leaving Barça with ten men for the majority of the match. Despite the setback, Barcelona showed resilience and determination, with goalkeeper Szczesny putting in a stellar performance to keep Benfica at bay.
Szczesny's Heroics
While Raphinha's goal will grab the headlines, the contribution of Szczesny cannot be overstated. The experienced goalkeeper was in inspired form, making several crucial saves to deny Benfica's attackers. His performance was a key factor in Barcelona's ability to hold onto their narrow lead.
“Szczesny was outstanding tonight,” said a source close to the team after the match. “He made some incredible saves and really helped us to stay in the game, especially after going down to ten men.”
Tactical Tweaks and Substitutions
Following Cubarsí's dismissal, Flick was forced to make tactical adjustments. Olmo and Lamine were brought off as the manager reshuffled his team to maintain a solid defensive structure. The changes proved effective, as Barcelona managed to limit Benfica's chances despite being a man down.
Raphinha's Decisive Strike
The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute when Raphinha unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net. The goal sparked scenes of jubilation among the Barcelona players and fans, as they sensed a crucial victory was within reach. It was a moment of pure brilliance from the Brazilian, who demonstrated his importance to the team.
With the second leg still to come, Barcelona will be hoping to build on this narrow advantage and secure their place. However, they know that Benfica will be a tough opponent, and they will need to be at their best to progress.