Tue Mar 11 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Cruises to Champions League Victory Over Benfica
**Barcelona, Spain** – FC Barcelona secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over Benfica in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday evening. The win, fueled by a stunning performance from young Lamine Yamal, sends Barcelona through to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate score.
Yamal, at just 17 years old, became the youngest player to score and assist in a single Champions League knockout stage match. He orchestrated Barcelona’s first goal, setting up Raphinha, and later scored a breathtaking solo goal to put the Catalan giants ahead 2-1. Raphinha himself had a stellar night, scoring two goals and becoming the Champions League’s top scorer with 11 goals this season.
Benfica started brightly and even equalized through a headed goal by Otamendi, exploiting a defensive lapse. However, Barcelona’s superior attacking prowess proved too much to handle. Despite several late chances and near misses, Benfica couldn’t overcome the deficit. The Portuguese side’s spirited performance was ultimately overshadowed by Barcelona’s clinical finishing and youthful exuberance.
The match also saw the return of Robert Lewandowski to the Barcelona lineup after a recent absence. While Lewandowski had a few missed opportunities, his presence bolstered the team’s attacking threat.
The game was played in a respectful atmosphere, with a minute’s silence held before kickoff in memory of the recently deceased FC Barcelona doctor, Carles Miñarro. A large Benfica support of 2,654 fans were in attendance to witness the game.
With the victory, Barcelona advances to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, continuing their impressive unbeaten run in the competition, which now extends to eight matches.
First Piper 