Barcelona completed a survival exercise in Lisbon and culminated in a feat (0-1) in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Benfica. Despite the expulsion of Pau Cubarsí in the 22nd minute, the blaugrana team achieved victory thanks to a second-half goal from Raphael Dias 'Raphinha', which frustrated Benfica and brought Barcelona closer to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Raphinha, who had been on a scoring drought, surprised with a long-range shot that beat goalkeeper Trubin. Barcelona demonstrated solidity and maturity by resisting Benfica's attacks, which ran out of ideas in static offense after the Brazilian's goal. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the team led by Pedri in midfield remained solid in defense and managed to force a yellow card on Álvaro Carreras, who will miss the next match due to accumulated cards.
In an intense and direct match, Benfica looked dangerous at the start, but Szczesny prevented goals on several occasions. Barcelona, for its part, took control of the ball, managed the game, and had opportunities, highlighted by a shot from Olmo and three saves by Trubin. However, Cubarsí's expulsion caused a shift in the game.
In the second half, Benfica pressed and had dangerous chances, especially through Carreras and Schjelderup. Barcelona fell back but maintained defensive balance, relying on the speed of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in attack to unsettle the home team. In the end, Barcelona managed to maintain their lead and secure an important victory as visitors.
The blaugrana team demonstrated their maturity and capacity for suffering, playing more than 70 minutes with one player less and enduring Benfica's assaults. Notable performances included Szczesny in goal, Pedri's vision in midfield, and Raphinha's goal that decided the match. With this victory, Barcelona moves closer to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and strengthens its bid to compete for the title.
