Game of the Week Part 2: Barcelona’s Miracle Comeback

In what will go down as an all-time Champions League classic, Barcelona completed a stunning 5-4 comeback over Benfica on Tuesday. Twice trailing by two goals—first at 3-1 and then at 4-2—Barcelona refused to be beaten, securing victory with a last-minute strike from Raphinha in the 95th minute.

Raphinha was the hero of the match, scoring twice on the night. His contributions were vital to Barcelona’s recovery, and his composed finish in injury time capped a remarkable performance that embodied the team’s fighting spirit.

Despite the defeat, Vangelis Pavlidis produced a performance to remember for Benfica, netting a first-half hat-trick in just 30 minutes. His clinical finishing and movement had seemingly put Benfica in control, but Barcelona’s relentless attacking play turned the tide.

At the heart of that turnaround was Pedri, whose influence was undeniable. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and drive Barcelona forward was critical in clawing back the deficit. Pedri’s vision and creativity under pressure not only sparked Barcelona’s comeback but also cemented his growing reputation as one of the world’s best midfielders.

Robert Lewandowski contributed two crucial goals from the penalty spot, both expertly taken under immense pressure. These goals not only kept Barcelona’s hopes alive but also added to his outstanding tally of 28 goals in 29 games this season, further cementing his status as one of the most lethal finishers in world football.

The drama extended beyond the goals, with Arthur Cabral, a Benfica striker, being sent off from the bench shortly after Barcelona’s winner. Cabral’s red card appeared to result from his protests over a penalty appeal moments earlier, when Benfica claimed a foul in Barcelona’s box before the hosts countered and scored. His dismissal added another layer of chaos to an already emotionally charged match.

This wasn’t the first time Barcelona have pulled off a comeback of this magnitude. The match echoed their iconic 6-1 turnaround against PSG, where they overcame a seemingly insurmountable deficit in the dying minutes.

Ultimately, Barcelona’s 5-4 victory showcased their attacking brilliance and resilience, but questions remain. Can they deliver more consistent performances to avoid needing such comebacks, or will their defensive frailties continue to leave them vulnerable?

Looking ahead, Barcelona have secured automatic qualification for the knockout stages, sitting second in the group with one match remaining. Meanwhile, Benfica, with 10 points, must win away to Juventus in their final group match to ensure progression into the Champions League playoff round.