Barcelona secured an exhilarating 5-4 comeback victory over Benfica in a thrilling Champions League match on Tuesday evening at the Estadio da Luz. The turning point came in the final minute of stoppage time, with Rafinha scoring the decisive goal, sealing a dramatic win that will be remembered by football fans.
With this victory, Barcelona’s points increased to 18, securing second place in the standings, just 3 points behind Liverpool, while Benfica remained on 10 points in 18th place.
According to the Catalan newspaper “Sport,” German coach Hansi Flick commended Pedri for his crucial role in the team’s comeback. Flick expressed his appreciation, stating, “I’m fortunate to coach a player like him; his unique quality brought us back into the match,” highlighting Pedri’s impact on the game.
Flick also praised Rafinha, remarking, “Even at half your level, you can damage any defense in the world.” Despite not being at his best during the match, Rafinha proved his worth when it mattered most, scoring the winning goal.
In contrast, Flick announced that Gavi and Casado would be excluded from the starting lineup in future matches, explaining that the team performs better without them. This change will take effect in Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga match.
In an unexpected gesture, Barcelona president Joan Laporta visited the locker room after the match to celebrate with the players. He especially congratulated Pedri, telling him, “You alone destroyed Benfica’s defense and made their fans cry,” showing his deep admiration for the young player who played a key role in the club’s historic victory.
