Raphinha and Yamal fire Barcelona into Champions League quarterfinals after routine win over Benfica
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Lamine Yamal and Raphinha guided Barcelona to victory over Benfica | Imago

Raphinha and Yamal fire Barcelona into Champions League quarterfinals after routine win over Benfica

Ayoola Kelechi 20:50 - 11.03.2025

The Blaugrana had two of their regular stars find the back of the net as they saw of Benfica's challenge

Barcelona made light work of Benfica in the Champions League as Raphinha and Lamine Yamal helped the Blaugrana book a place in the last eight.

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A brace from the Brazilian and a brilliant stunner from the LA Masia graduate helped Barcelona claim a 3-1 win on the night and a 4-1 win on aggregate to send Benfica packing from the competition.

How it happened

Barcelona took an early lead after Yamal’s brilliant piece of skill allowed him to set up Raphinha at the far post for the first goal of the game in the 11th minute.

The Blaugrana were immediately pegged back, however, as former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi headed in the equaliser less than two minutes later.

After sustained pressure, Barcelona re-took the lead as Yamal turned scorer with a brilliant curled effort midway through the first half.

As the half-time break drew closer, Raphina doubled the Blaugrana’s lead to put some daylight between the teams, making it 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.

The second half was devoid of action as Barcelona saw out the remaining 45 minutes of the tie without incident to secure their place in the last eight.