Barcelona have secured their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals, as they defeated Benfica 3-1 in their round of 16 second leg tie.
The Catalans made it 4-1 on aggregate, having won 1-0 in the first leg, before enjoying the home win in the return fixture.
Brazilian forward, Raphinha gave the hosts the early lead as he volleyed home in the 11th minute. The former Leeds man found the back of the net, after been found by Lamine Yamal, who beautifully disposed two Benfica’s defenders.
Yamal (27′)
Raphinha (42′)
Otamendi (13′)
However, the visitors responded back two minutes after, courtesy of former Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Hansi Flick side got back the lead in the 27th minute, with a sensational strike from Yamal. Picking the ball up from the right touchline, the young Spaniard cut inside before curling the ball into the far corner.
The Catalans sealed the contest before halftime, with another goal from Raphinha. An excellent drive from Alejandro Balde, with a layup found Raphinha, who scored past Anatoliy Trubin to make it 3-1.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR check confirmed that the Brazilian winger was behind the last Benfica defender.
The second half went stalement at the Estadi Olimpic, as Barcelona made it through to the quarter-final of the Champions League.
They will face either of Lille or Borussia Dortmund, who will conclude their last 16 tie on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Raphinha is now topping the highest goalscorer log, with 11 goals, one ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy. Fellow Barcelona teammate, Robert Lewandowski, is next with nine goals.
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