Sat Mar 08 20:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Barça Makes Champions League History with 10-Man Win Over Benfica

**Lisbon, Portugal –** FC Barcelona etched their names into Champions League history Wednesday night, securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Benfica at the Estádio da Luz despite playing with 10 men for nearly 70 minutes. The win, thanks to a Raphinha goal in the [minute not specified in original text, likely the 22nd minute or shortly after], gives the Catalan giants a commanding lead heading into the second leg next Tuesday at the Estadi Olímpic.

The turning point came in the 22nd minute when Barça defender Pau Cubarsí was dismissed for a last-man foul on Benfica striker Pavlidis. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barça displayed remarkable resilience and defensive fortitude, holding off a persistent Benfica attack.

This victory shattered a Champions League record. Barça’s 68-minute spell with 10 men surpasses Juventus’ previous record of 62 minutes set in their 2-0 win over Valencia in 2018. Interestingly, Wojciech Szczęsny, who was in goal for Juventus that night, is now recognized for his goalkeeping prowess during numerically disadvantageous matches. The win puts Barcelona in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals.

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