Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered a star performance as Barcelona defeated Benfica 3-1 on the night, 4-1 on aggregate, to secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The 17-year-old provided a brilliant assist and scored a stunning goal, showcasing his exceptional talent on the European stage.
Raphinha opened the scoring for Barcelona, volleying home after a wonderful flicked pass through the defence to the far post from Yamal. Benfica, however, equalized through a Nicolas Otamendi header.
The match turned decisively in Barcelona’s favor thanks to Yamal’s individual brilliance. He restored the hosts’ lead with a superb strike, bending an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box past the Benfica goalkeeper.
Raphinha then added his second, and Barcelona’s third, with a clinical finish into the bottom corner. There was initial confusion over whether the goal would stand, as play appeared to be pulled back for a foul by Otamendi. However, after a VAR check, the goal was confirmed, and Otamendi’s yellow card was rescinded.
Yamal and Raphinha Steal the Show
While Yamal’s exceptional contributions grabbed the headlines, Raphinha’s brace also deserves recognition. He has now been directly involved in 16 goals in the Champions League this season (11 goals, five assists). Only Lionel Messi (14 goals, five assists in 2011-12) has had a hand in more goals in a single season for Barcelona in the competition. Frenkie de Jong missed a golden chance for a fourth goal.
Yamal, at 17 years and 241 days, became the youngest player in Champions League history to both score and assist in a single match. His performances this season, including his starring role at the European Championship in Germany where he helped Spain to victory, mark him out as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. He is now approaching 60 goals and assists.
Barcelona, under manager Hansi Flick, will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals. The victory extends their unbeaten run to 17 matches in all competitions and demonstrates their continued strength in European competition.
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