X. FC Barcelona secured straight passage to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by pulling off an incredible comeback against Portuguese powerhouse Benfica. After falling behind 2-4 in the 75th minute, Barcelona pulled off a stunning comeback by scoring three goals in the last 20 minutes of play. With two goals, including a thrilling victory in the 96th minute, the in-form Brazilian winger Raphinha once again stole the show, while Robert Lewandowksi also scored twice. Hansi Flick's team now sits in second place in the Champions League standings after the victory.
Barcelona got off to a dreadful start as Benfica's Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis let up a goal in the second minute. Ten minutes later, Lewandowski equalized from the penalty spot, but Barcelona's luck worsened over the remainder of the first half. Pavlidis made it 2-1 by scoring into an empty net after Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a mistake. Soon after, Pavlidis scored from the penalty spot to complete an unforgettable hat-trick, putting the visitors behind 3-1 within the first 30 minutes.
In the 64th minute, Raphinha equalized after heading home after intercepting a bad Benfica goal kick. However, it appeared that a comeback was not possible after Ronald Araujo let up an own goal, putting Barcelona behind 2-4.
Lewandowski's penalty shoot in the 78th minute launched another penalty, but there were more surprises in the thrilling match. With four minutes remaining in regulation time, Barcelona tied the score at 4-4 when Eric Garcia headed home a beautiful Pedri cross in the 86th minute.
And in the 96th minute, the comeback was over. Barcelona was permitted to continue their counterattack from a Benfica corner, even though just four minutes of stoppage time were given. Raphinha was passed through on the right flank, but he cut inside and slotted home the thrilling winner with amazing poise. Barcelona therefore became the second team after Liverpool to guarantee their spot in the Round of 16.
