In a gripping UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on March 5, 2025, FC Barcelona secured a vital 1-0 victory against SL Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Despite facing adversity, including an early red card, the Catalan giants showcased their tactical prowess and resilience to claim an important first-leg advantage.
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Early Drama: Cubarsí’s Red Card Changes the Game
Barcelona entered the match with confidence, looking to establish their dominance early. However, the game took an unexpected turn in the 22nd minute when young defender Pau Cubarsí received a straight red card for a last-man foul on Benfica’s striker. The decision forced Barcelona to play with ten men for the remainder of the match, altering their tactical approach significantly (Huffington Post).
With numerical superiority, Benfica ramped up their attacks, putting immense pressure on Barcelona’s defense. However, the Catalan side remained composed, adjusting their formation to counter Benfica’s aggressive play.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny’s Heroics
One of the standout performers of the match was Barcelona’s new goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczęsny. The Polish international delivered a masterclass in shot-stopping, making crucial saves to deny Benfica at key moments. His agility and composure under pressure ensured Barcelona maintained a clean sheet despite relentless Benfica attacks (El País).
Raphinha’s Stunning Goal Seals the Win
But with a man advantage, Barcelona still were dangerous on the counterattack. Their patience was rewarded in the 61st minute when a rare foray forward presented Brazilian winger Raphinha with a chance he could not pass up. Breaking in from the right, he smacked the most swerving, slashing left-footed shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. The Benfica goalkeeper had no chance, and Barcelona had a 1-0 lead against the run of play.
Not only did Raphinha score a vital away goal for Barcelona, but he also showed how they could be so efficient in attack. Barcelona were clinical when they needed to be, even if that was rare opportunity.(El País).
Midfield Battle: Pedri’s Tireless Effort
A key factor in Barcelona’s ability to control the game despite being a man down was the tireless performance of midfielder Pedri. The young Spanish international covered over 14 kilometers during the match, linking defense to attack seamlessly. His ability to hold possession under pressure and distribute the ball effectively helped Barcelona retain control despite Benfica’s numerical advantage.
Manager Hansi Flick’s tactical adjustments also played a crucial role. Instead of sitting deep and purely defending, Barcelona maintained a structured yet flexible approach, ensuring they remained a threat on the break while keeping Benfica at bay (Cadena SER).
Benfica’s Missed Opportunities
While Barcelona deserved credit for their defensive resolve, there will be no small measure of regret for Benfica at how their chances went begging. The Portuguese team controlled play and had myriad clear opportunities but did not convert any. That, combined with their wastefulness in the opponent’s penalty area and Szczęsny’s excellence, proved their undoing, and they finished empty-handed.
A notable instance came in the 75th minute when Benfica’s leading forward was unmarked in the box but headed wide. That miss summarized Benfica’s evening — plenty of huff and puff, but no end product. (The Guardian).
Looking Ahead: The Decisive Second Leg
Barcelona will go into the second leg on 11 March 2025 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, with a clear edge after this win. And with a narrow upper hand they will be cautious of the attacking power that Benfica wield.
What Benfica have to do is cut the defense and prevent from arriving a goal. A quick goal for the Portugal team early in the second leg could turn the tie on its head.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will try to play the game and pick Benfica’s pockets as they look to, as Striker has already said, come here and do one thing: attack, attack, attack. With Pedri, Raphinha, and Szczęsny in great form, the Catalan club will be confident in the decisive game (FC Barcelona).
Internal Links for More Updates
For more news and analysis on FC Barcelona, check out:
- \Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid: Brahim Díaz Shines in 2-1 UCL Derby Victory
- La Liga Standings and Fixtures
Conclusion
Barcelona’s 1-0 victory against Benfica exemplifies their resilience and tactical intelligence. Overcoming an early red card, they defended with discipline and capitalized on their limited chances, with Raphinha’s stunning goal proving to be the difference. Wojciech Szczęsny’s outstanding goalkeeping and Pedri’s tireless work in midfield were key factors in securing the win.
With the second leg approaching, the battle is far from over. Benfica will come to Barcelona with determination, knowing they need a strong performance to turn the tie around. However, if Barcelona can maintain their composure and tactical discipline, they stand a strong chance of advancing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and expert analysis on Barcelona’s Champions League journey!
