Wed Jan 22 00:40:00 IST 2025: ## Barcelona Stage Dramatic Comeback to Beat Benfica and Secure Champions League Knockout Stage Berth
**Lisbon, Portugal** – In a pulsating Champions League clash, FC Barcelona secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over Benfica in a match that saw a rollercoaster of goals, dramatic twists, and a last-gasp winner. Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis stunned the visitors with a first-half hat-trick, putting the Portuguese side 3-1 up at halftime despite Robert Lewandowski’s penalty.
However, Barcelona fought back relentlessly. A bizarre own goal from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, followed by Lewandowski’s second penalty, brought Barcelona within one goal. A late header from substitute Eric Garcia levelled the score before Raphinha, in the sixth minute of added time, capped off a stunning comeback with a counter-attack goal, securing a place in the Champions League last 16 for the Catalan giants. The match was a display of both attacking prowess and defensive fragility, leaving spectators breathless until the final whistle.
First Piper 