Raphinha Scores Double As Barcelona Edge Benfica To Reach UCL Quarterfinal

 

Barcelona are through to the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League after they defeated Benfica 3-1 winning on an aggregate of 4-1 in the round of 16 second-leg tie. 

Raphimha contributed a brace towards the victory, extending his goal tally to 11 in 10 previous games in this competition. The forward set the side ahead early before the Portuguese struck back. Eventually, they struck back adding two more goals to the scoresheet. All in the first half. 

Lamine Yamal set off the scoring chance from a poorly taken shot from an individual but the ball wandered into Raphinha, who volleyed the ball into the net. Benfica struck back five minutes later as Nicolas Otamendi headed home Schdelderup's cross from the left. 

Yamal restored Barcelona's lead by curling a superb shot into the net following an individual effort. Raphinha wrapped up the victory before halftime when Alejandro Balde played him in and struck the ball into the net. 

The outcome sealed Barcelona's qualification for the quarterfinal, which they reached with 32 goals in the competition. Yamal, 17, made UEFA Champions League history as the youngest player to score and assist in a single game. 

Overview 

Technically, Barcelona were better than Benfica. Though the Portuguese side was disciplined towards the game, Barcelona had enough individually excellence players to crack their defense. Having to have conceded early gave Barcelona the upper hand. 

Raphilna had a field day, and Yamal played a significant role in firing up the attack. Robert Lewandowski was closely watched by the opposition and barely had a chance to strike. Nevertheless, that did not hinder the side from taking charge of the game on their turf.