Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie, despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the match. The pivotal moment came in the 61st minute when Raphinha scored the only goal of the game, putting the Catalan side in a favorable position ahead of the return leg next week.

The match took a challenging turn for Barcelona early on when teenage defender Pau Cubarsi was sent off for a foul on Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis just 22 minutes into the game. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barcelona displayed resilience and tactical discipline. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny played a crucial role, making several key saves to keep the score level during the intense final moments.

Raphinha’s strike was a result of his persistent play, as he intercepted the ball and unleashed a low shot from distance that deflected into the net. His performance marked his ninth goal in nine Champions League matches, underscoring his current form. Although Benfica pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, including a near-penalty incident that was ultimately ruled out due to offside, Barcelona managed to hold on to their narrow lead. The match showcased the tenacity of the Barcelona squad, setting the stage for a tense second leg as they aim to progress in the tournament.