in a thrilling Champions League showdown during the 7th week, benfica and Barcelona clashed in a high-stakes match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The game concluded with a nail-biting 5-4 victory for Barcelona. Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis stole the spotlight early on, netting a hat-trick within the first 30 minutes. Though, Raphinha emerged as the match-winner with a dramatic last-minute goal that sealed the deal for Barcelona.
Turkish talents Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Orkun Kökçü were key players in the starting lineup, with Kerem contributing for 70 minutes and Orkun for 80 minutes.
This result left Benfica with 10 points, while Barcelona surged to 18 points, securing their spot in the top 8 of the tournament.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
1′ The whistle blew, and the game was underway.
2′ Vangelis Pavlidis opened the scoring, putting Benfica ahead 1-0.
13′ Robert Lewandowski leveled the score with a precise penalty kick.
23′ Pavlidis struck again, restoring Benfica’s lead with another goal.
30′ Pavlidis completed his hat-trick with a penalty kick, extending Benfica’s lead to 3-1. Kerem Aktürkoğlu played a crucial role in earning the penalty that led to the goal.
65′ raphinha capitalized on a costly error by Trubin, narrowing the gap to just one goal.
68′ an unfortunate own goal by Araujo gave Benfica a two-goal cushion once more.
77′ Lewandowski stepped up again,converting another penalty to bring Barcelona back into contention.
87′ Substitute Eric Garcia found the back of the net, tying the score at 4-4.
90+6′ Raphinha delivered the final blow, scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.
STARTING LINEUPS
Benfica: Trubin; Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, António Silva, Álvaro Carreras; Florentino, Aursnes, Orkun Kokcu; Kerem Akturkoglu, Pavlidis, Schjelderup
Barcelona: Szczesny; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; Pedri, Casado, Gavi; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
