Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Raphinha's Stoppage-Time Strike Seals Barcelona's 5-4 Comeback Over Benfica

Posted : 22 January 2025

Raphinha scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Barcelona staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Benfica 5-4 on Tuesday, virtually securing their place in the Champions League round of 16. The match, filled with twists and turns, saw Barcelona overturn a two-goal deficit in the final minutes, keeping them three points behind group leaders Liverpool. Despite a hat-trick from Vangelis Pavlidis, Benfica's hopes of victory were dashed by Barcelona's relentless fightback.

 

The game began explosively, with Pavlidis scoring in the second minute after escaping Pau Cubarsi to convert Alvaro Carreras' low cross. Barcelona quickly responded when Robert Lewandowski netted a penalty following Alejandro Balde's foul by Tomas Araujo.

 

 However, chaos ensued when Barcelona's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny collided with Balde while attempting to clear a through-ball, leaving Pavlidis to slot home his second into an empty net. Pavlidis completed his first-half hat-trick with a penalty after Szczesny brought down Kerem Akturkoglu.

 

Barcelona’s efforts to close the gap intensified, with Lewandowski and Raphinha missing chances, while Anatoliy Trubin denied Jules Kounde and Pedri's dangerous crosses. Raphinha eventually pulled one back in unusual fashion when Trubin’s clearance ricocheted off his head and into the net.

 

However, Benfica extended their lead again as Ronald Araujo accidentally deflected a cross past Szczesny into his own goal. Barcelona refused to back down, with Lewandowski converting another penalty after Nicolas Otamendi fouled Yamal, and Eric Garcia leveling the match with a header from Pedri's cross.

 

In the dying moments, Raphinha delivered the decisive blow during a quick counterattack, slotting the ball past Trubin after Benfica’s appeals for a penalty were waved away. Barcelona's remarkable comeback showcased their resilience and determination, earning a victory that keeps their Champions League hopes firmly on track while leaving Benfica stunned after an unforgettable encounter in Lisbon.

 

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :