The freezing, rainy night in Lisbon was an actual test for Flick’s men, as the team was in total disarray in the first half. However, the cold night brought warmth to culers worldwide as Barcelona pulled off another historic comeback and confirmed a spot in the Last 16 of the Champions League in style.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel (@Blaugranisme), our latest short discussed a critical aspect of this last night Remontada win:
First Half
The Match Promised Drama From The Beginning
The first half was unexpectedly poor from the players in red and blue. After conceding an early goal due to a quick counter, Barca was able to take reasonable control of the game. Balde was exceptional on the left side and constantly threatened the Benfica defense.
Benfica’s left-back, Thomas Araujo, ultimately fouled Balde in the box, allowing Barcelona to level the score. Robert Lewandowski, with brilliant technique, scored from the spot.
Individual Errors & Disarray
Barcelona kept insisting and came close to scoring on several occasions. Gavi almost scored after a beautiful play but was denied by the keeper. However, things took a massive turn after an individual error by Wojciech Szczesny.
A ball came aerially inside the Barcelona half, and Balde was in position to clear it. But Szczesny came out of the box soon and went to clear it, too. Having their eyes on the ball, both players collided, and Benfica striker Pavlidis scored the most straightforward goal of his career. The miscommunication between Szczesny and Balde might have resulted from the rackety stadium, deafening both players.
Barcelona went on the back foot after conceding this goal and struggled to hold possession. However, things got much worse when Szczesny conceded a penalty in the 28th minute after another foul in the penalty area. Pavilidis completed a thirty-minute hattrick against Barca as the stadium roared with joy.
The half ended at 3-1, as Barca struggled to create and finish chances. It was a frustrating end to a promising start to the half.
Second Half
A Lucky Break
The half started with Barcelona having most of the ball, and finally threading some good passes. Pedri and Yamal got significantly better than the first half as both players tried to create something out of nothing. Frenkie De Jong and Fermin entered the pitch in the 62nd minute for Casado and Gavi, and things took another turn.
The Benfica goalkeeper went on to take a goal kick which went straight to Raphinha’s head and blasted back into the keeper’s goal. Even Raphinha was stunned on what has happened. It was a gift goal but credit must be given to Flick’s impressive press which forced the goal.
Errors Leading to Goals Continue
As soon as Barcelona hopes arose and players pushed for an equalizer, another twist blew all hopes. While trying to clear a ball shot with speed in the Barcelona penalty area, Araujo scored an own goal and made the score 4-2 in favor of Benfica. Most teams might have given up in this situation, but Flick’s men reacted extremely well.
Some Respite for Barca
Frenkie De Jong and Pedri took control of the midfield, and carried the ball fantastically from their own half to Benfica’s. As Barca pushed deep into the Benfica half, pressure was imposed and a few saves were forced by Barca. Flick brought in fresh legs with the likes of Eric Garcia and Ferran Torres.
Yamal was finally getting more of the ball as the 17-year-old put the Benfica left-back in trouble and drew a foul from the player to win a penalty. Lewandowski once again stood to take the spot kick as rain gushed down heavily. In a matter of seconds, the score was 4-3.
Magical Pedri & Yamal Shift Tempo of The Match
And then the inevitable happened. Barcelona made the life of Benfica defenders miserable. Yamal and Pedri were truly phenomenal in this final phase as both worked their magic inside the Benfica box. In the 86th minute, Pedri dipped in a brilliant cross to the high center of the goal which was finished by Eric Garcia to level the scores. Benfica was in serious trouble.
Late drama took place as the stoppage time was finished and Benfica took a freekick from a foul by De Jong. It looked like it was the final attack of the match. Pandemonium occured in the Barcelona half as Benfica tried to score. Shouts of penalty were claimed but Ferran Torres took the ball and placed an impeccable through ball for the speeding Raphinha.
Another Remontada: An Epic Finish
The Brazilian showed phenomenal technique and skill. He collected the ball brilliantly and sped his way to goal. And then, with a little drop of shoulder, slammed the ball in the net with precision and finished the game in style. Another famous Barcelona Remontada had been completed.
Hansi Flick’s Barca showed brilliant mentality and commitment in this match as Barca booked a spot in the next stage of UCL.
Barca and Liverpool are the only teams so far who have qualified for a spot in the Last-16 of the Champions League. Barcelona keeps showing promise as Hansi Flick’s men once again prove their capability on the big stage.
Fun Fact: Angel Di Maria experienced a second Remontada from the hands of FC Barcelona.