There were lots of fireworks on the field Barcelona stormed back to beat Benfica 5-4 in the Champions League on Tuesday, but they also extended their run. Deep into injury time, Barcelona’s dramatic winner came through Raphinha, after Benfica wanted a penalty moments earlier. The ball fell to Ferran Torres, who played it against a running Raphinha, and the Brazilian sent Anatoliy Trubin the wrong way for the winner, securing Barcelona’s place in the round of 16.
Benfica’s players protested so much against the validity of the winner that striker Arthur Cabral was shown a red card from the sidelines. Barcelona’s goal was reviewed by VAR and allowed to stand, but reports said a scuffle broke out in the tunnel. They placed Raphinha in the midst of it, according to ESPN.
“On the pitch there were people who insulted me. I answered the insults. I know I shouldn’t, but I answered the insults. And in the end we got heated. The Benfica side got heated too. I think they could have understood the situation better, but they chose to insult me too,” he said after the match. “I’m a person who doesn’t take anything home with me. Whatever they say to me, they’ll hear it from me.”
Ranking the wildest moments from Barcelona’s incredible, stunning 5-4 victory over Benfica in the Champions League
Chuck Booth
Given his impressive Champions League run, which has now seen the Brazilian score eight goals from just nine shots on target, Raphinha has become one of the men picked in Barcelona’s attack. Considering how the match ended with Barcelona scoring three unanswered goals, it makes sense why Benfica wouldn’t be happy with the result, but they also have nothing to blame other than their defense.
Barcelona trailed 3-1 at halftime and were able to fight back for the win. In a competition like this, protecting the lead is crucial.
Wojciech Szczesny’s Champions League nightmare against Benfica ultimately defied logic
James Benge
