⚽🔥Barcelona’s historic last-second comeback and winning goal against Benfica in the Champions League

On January 21, 2025, FC Barcelona orchestrated a remarkable 5-4 comeback victory against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, a match that will be etched in football history for its drama and intensity.

First Half: Benfica’s Dominance

The encounter at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz began unfavorably for Barcelona. In the 2nd minute, Vangelis Pavlidis capitalized on a cross from Álvaro Carreras, evading defender Pau Cubarsí to net the opening goal. Barcelona responded swiftly; Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty in the 11th minute after Alejandro Balde was fouled by Benfica’s Tomás Araújo. However, defensive lapses plagued Barcelona. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny’s misjudgment led to a collision with Balde, allowing Pavlidis to score into an empty net in the 17th minute. Pavlidis completed his hat-trick in the 30th minute via a penalty, following another error by Szczęsny, who fouled Kerem Aktürkoğlu. This left Barcelona trailing 3-1 at halftime.

Second Half: The Fightback Begins

Determined to overturn the deficit, Barcelona intensified their efforts in the second half. In the 60th minute, Raphinha fortuitously reduced the margin; a clearance from Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin struck Raphinha’s head and ricocheted into the net. Despite this momentum, an own goal by Ronald Araújo in the 68th minute, as he attempted to intercept a cross, extended Benfica’s lead to 4-2.

Late Drama: Barcelona’s Resurgence

Barcelona’s resilience shone in the closing stages. In the 75th minute, Lewandowski converted his second penalty after Nicolás Otamendi fouled Lamine Yamal. Substitute Eric García then headed in Pedri’s cross in the 82nd minute, leveling the score at 4-4. As the match approached its conclusion, Benfica appealed for a penalty, but Barcelona launched a swift counter-attack. In stoppage time, Raphinha secured the victory with a composed finish, sealing a 5-4 triumph for Barcelona.

Significance of the Victory

This extraordinary comeback not only showcased Barcelona’s indomitable spirit but also virtually guaranteed their progression to the Champions League last 16. The match drew parallels to previous dramatic turnarounds, such as Barcelona’s 6-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, highlighting the club’s rich history of memorable comebacks.