Raphinha's Late Goal Gives 10-Man Barcelona Crucial 1-0 Victory Over Benfica in Champions League Fir

Barcelona, with 10 men, put in a gritty, professional performance to beat Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

An electric opening to the first half saw Wojciech Szczesny make an excellent stop 30 seconds in, while Robert Lewandowski was denied by a brilliant double save from Anatoliy Trubin. On 20 minutes, Benfica broke beyond Barca's press and Pau Cubarsi brought down Vangelis Pavlidis on the edge of the box with a slide tackle. As the last man, Cubarsi was sent off by the referee, a decision that was Upheld by VAR. Benfica repeatedly tested Szczesny, but on the hour, 10-man Barca took the lead as Raphinha intercepted a loose ball in midfield, drove forward, and took aim from range, finding the bottom corner via a slight deflection. Szczesny was fortunate to avoid giving away a late penalty, as he fouled Andrea Belotti in the box, but the Italian was ruled to be offside in the build-up. The Pole then made a superb late save to deny Renato Sanches at the death.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Goalkeeper & Defence

Wojciech Szczesny (9/10):

Superb throughout. Some exceptional saves, repeatedly denying Benfica as they laid siege to the Barca box. Could have given a late penalty away after bringing down Belotti, but VAR came to his rescue as the Italian striker was offside. Given his performance, he deserved the good fortune.

Jules Kounde (7/10):

Kept busy throughout but defended excellently. Wasn't able to push forward as much as usual due to obvious circumstances.

Pau Cubarsi (2/10):

Made a dramatic last-ditch tackle on Pavlidis but mistimed it and was sent off.

Inigo Martinez (7/10):

Took a nasty knock in the first half but recovered to play on and put his body on the line whenever he could.

Alejandro Balde (7/10):S

ome surging runs from left-back, including one that saw him take out three Benfica players with some fancy footwork

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

Always takes great care of the ball but somewhat struggled with Benfica's aggressive press before being subbed.

Pedri (7/10):

Ran the game on the ball. Had a lot to do defensively and mucked in manfully, even if it really isn't the best side of his game.

Dani Olmo (6/10):

Subbed after the red card. The unfortunate victim of Flick's tactical shift to a 4-4-1

Lamine Yamal (3/10):

The red card completely ruined any chance of Yamal getting any rhythm going, but he was anonymous, and was hooked on 55 minutes.

Robert Lewandowski (6/10):

Denied twice in quick succession by a superb double save from Trubin in the first half. His best moment and he was subbed late.

Raphinha (8/10):S

cored an excellent goal, driving home from range. Always so positive, and willing to take responsibility. Has matured into perhaps Barcelona's best player.

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