Barcelona earns stunning comeback win in nine-goal thriller against Benfica

Barcelona completed a stunning comeback, defeating Benfica 5-4 at the Estadio da Luz.

Hansi Flick’s side had a dreadful start as they conceded inside the first two minutes. Spanish left-back Alvaro Carreras delivered a wonderful cross for Vangelis Pavlidis to smash into the back of the net and give Benfica the lead.

However, Barcelona equalised after just 11 minutes, courtesy of Robert Lewandowski’s penalty. Alejandro Balde made a fine run into the penalty area before being fouled by Antonio Silva. Lewandowski stepped up from 12 yards to level and score his 102nd Champions League goal.

The hosts retook the lead ten minutes later after a howler clash between from Wojciech Szczesny and Pau Cubarsi gifted Pavlidis the chance to score his second goal. The Greek striker then get his hat-trick few minutes after from the penalty spot to make it 3-1. Pavlidis made no mistake from 12 yards after a foul inside the area from the Polish goalkeeper.

Barcelona reduced the deficit after the restart with Raphinha’s header. The Catalans captain made it 3-2 in bizarre circumstances after heading into the net from an Anatolii Trubin clearance.

Things look to be going haywire for the Spanish giants as Ronald Araujo turned the ball into his own net to gift Benfica their fourth of the evening.

However, Barcelona staged an amazing comeback to win the contest.

Lewandowski scored his second penalty to make it 4-3, before Eric Garcia headed home for the equaliser.

The Catalans claimed the victory as Raphinha fired into the back of the net in stoppage time, sparking wild scenes among the visitors.

The result ensured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.