Wed Mar 05 22:32:29 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Edge Past Benfica Despite Red Card

**Lisbon, Portugal** – FC Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash despite playing the majority of the match with ten men. Eighteen-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi was sent off in the 22nd minute for a foul on Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis, leaving Barcelona facing an uphill battle.

Despite the setback, Raphinha’s stunning long-range goal in the 61st minute proved to be the difference. The Brazilian’s ninth goal in as many Champions League appearances secured a crucial away win for the Catalan giants. Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, a late replacement for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, played a key role, producing several crucial saves to deny Benfica an equalizer.

Benfica pushed hard in the final stages, even believing they had won a penalty, but an offside call saved Barcelona. Manager Hansi Flick praised his team’s defensive resilience and tactical discipline following the early red card. Midfielder Pedri echoed those sentiments, highlighting the team’s ability to defend as a unit and capitalize on limited opportunities.

Elsewhere in the Champions League, Bayern Munich comfortably defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, Liverpool snatched a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain thanks to a late goal from Harvey Elliott, and Inter Milan triumphed 2-0 against Feyenoord, with Lautaro Martinez becoming the club’s all-time leading Champions League scorer. The return leg between Barcelona and Benfica will take place next Tuesday.

Read More