Barcelona crush Benfica 3-1 (4-1 Agg); head into Champions League Quarterfinals

Barcelona punched their ticket to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals in style, dismantling Benfica 3-1 in the Round of 16 second leg at Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night. With a 4-1 aggregate triumph, the Blaugrana delivered a masterclass, led by the dazzling duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who lit up the pitch and sent Barça cruising into the Last Eight.

First Half Fireworks

The night began with a heartfelt minute’s silence for the late Dr. Carles Miñarro, a beloved figure in Barça’s history. What followed was a first half for the ages, as the team honored his memory with a breathtaking display. From the opening whistle, Barcelona seized control—dictating possession, slicing through Benfica’s defense with crisp passing, and unleashing chaos in the final third.

Just 10 minutes in, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal turned on the magic, weaving through defenders before an unintended flick set up Raphinha for a clinical volley—1-0. Benfica hit back almost instantly, with Nicolás Otamendi nodding in a corner to level the score. But Barça shrugged it off like it was nothing.

Yamal, untouchable on the wing, took matters into his own hands, curling a stunner into the top corner before the half-hour mark to restore the lead. Then came Alejandro Balde’s moment of brilliance—stealing the ball in his own box, sprinting 80 yards, and teeing up Raphinha for a rocket into the bottom corner. At halftime, it was 3-1 on the night, 4-1 on aggregate, and Barça were in dreamland.

Second Half Cruise Control

The second half was all about composure. Benfica, desperate to keep their European hopes alive, pushed forward, but Barça’s defense stood tall. Wojciech Szczesny barely broke a sweat, handling the few threats that came his way. Even when Benfica’s Bruno Lage threw caution to the wind with a 4-2-4 formation and twin towers up top, the Catalans didn’t blink.

Barça managed the game like seasoned pros, coasting to the final whistle with their quarterfinal spot secured. After that electric first half, the second was a victory lap—proof of a team hitting its stride at the perfect time.

Yamal and Raphinha Steal the Show

This was a night where Barcelona’s stars shone brightest. Lamine Yamal, at just 17, played with the swagger of a veteran, while Raphinha’s finishing was pure class. Add in Balde’s lung-busting heroics and a rock-solid backline, and you’ve got a performance that would’ve made Dr. Miñarro proud.

With this comprehensive win, Barça are back among Europe’s elite—and they look ready to take on anyone in the quarters. Bring it on!

Barcablaugranes.com contributed to this article.