Barcelona secured their place in the Champions League quarterfinals with a decisive 3-1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of their round of 16 match. This result gave them a 4-1 aggregate win. Raphinha scored twice, and Lamine Yamal contributed a spectacular goal, leading Barcelona’s impressive performance. They now await the outcome of the Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund match to determine their next opponent. The first leg of that tie ended in a 1-1 draw.
Yamal, the 17-year-old Spanish winger, delivered a standout performance, consistently challenging Benfica’s defense. His dynamic play created numerous scoring opportunities for Barcelona. In the 11th minute, Yamal’s exceptional solo run set up Raphinha’s opening goal. Yamal evaded two defenders before delivering a cross that Raphinha converted with a close-range volley. Benfica responded quickly, with Nicolas Otamendi heading in a goal from a corner kick in the 13th minute. However, Barcelona maintained their offensive pressure, with Yamal causing significant problems for Benfica’s left-back, Samuel Dahl.
Yamal created chances for Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo and also had a near miss with a low shot. He eventually scored Barcelona’s second goal in the 28th minute, cutting inside and beating Dahl before firing a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner of the net.
Reports indicate that at 17 years and 241 days old, Yamal has become the youngest player to both score and provide an assist in a single Champions League match, surpassing the previous record held by Breel Embolo.
