SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Goal fest as written-off Barça turned against Benfica

Benfica had both 3-1 and 4-2 leads at home against Barcelona after comical goals at Estadio da Luz in the Champions League. Barça did, however, come back and won with 5-4. The winning goal fell in the sixth minute of added time after great protests from the home team.

» Published: January 21 2025

Goal fest as written-off Barça turned against Benfica
Photo: Armando Franca/AP/TT

Barcelona was already clear for the playoffs in the Champions League, but it looked for a long time like the Spanish giant would suffer its second defeat of the season away against Portuguese Benfica.

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny had a less fortunate evening at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. However, the Pole cannot be blamed for Benfica's leading goal, which was more due to Barcelona's defense playing nonchalantly in their positional play.

Hattrick by Pavlidis

As early as the second minute, Greek Vangelis Pavlidis scored 1–0 after a fine Benfica attack in depth.

Although Robert Lewandowski equalized in the 13th minute on a penalty, Szczesny then took center stage twice.

In the 22nd minute, the rushing Barcelona goalkeeper collided violently with teammate Alejandro Balde when they both only had their eyes on the ball. It all ended with Pavlidis getting a clear path and an open goal to make it 2–1.

The Greek was not finished there. After half an hour, Szczesny caused a penalty when he went harshly against Kerem Aktürkoglu. Up stepped Pavlidis, who with an ice-cold penalty completed his hattrick.

If Benfica's 2–1 goal was comical, Barcelona's reduction in the second act can be sorted into the same category.

Home goalkeeper Anatolij Trubin was about to lift a ball from his own penalty area, but hit Raphinha right in the head. The Barça player didn't even have time to react, but it became a brilliant header and the ball sailed into the goal in the 61st minute.

Just three minutes later, it was 4–2 to Benfica after Barcelona's Ronald Araújo steered a cross into his own goal.

Two Late Barcelona Goals

But it was far from over. With just over a quarter of an hour left to play, goal king Lewandowski scored his second goal of the evening – his ninth in the CL this season – for a new reduction.

The goal fest was not over yet – not at all. In the 86th minute, substitute Eric García headed in the 4–4 equalizer on a short corner, and in the sixth minute of added time, Raphinha countered to score the 5–4 winner for Barcelona. Benfica players protested wildly, claiming they should have had a penalty in the situation just before the goal.

The win means Barcelona remains second in the table with 18 points and one round left to play. Table leaders Liverpool are on maximum 21 points after a 2–1 home win against Lille.

Corrected version: Now with the correct number of CL goals for the season for Robert Lewandowski.

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Barcelona new league leader – decided on penalty
1 MIN READ

Barcelona new league leader – decided on penalty

Tour de France champion Bernal in new crash
1 MIN READ

Tour de France champion Bernal in new crash

Åberg: "I didn't get many hours of sleep"
2 MIN READ

Åberg: "I didn't get many hours of sleep"

Finland Spurted Too Late – Sweden Out
3 MIN READ

Finland Spurted Too Late – Sweden Out

Djokovic: The Anti-Doping System is Not Fair
2 MIN READ

Djokovic: The Anti-Doping System is Not Fair

Praising the Brawls: "That's How Hockey Should Be"
2 MIN READ

Praising the Brawls: "That's How Hockey Should Be"

This is how Vasaloppet will stop climate activists
2 MIN READ

This is how Vasaloppet will stop climate activists

Schumacher's wife rages against blackmail verdict
1 MIN READ

Schumacher's wife rages against blackmail verdict

The Medal Hunt Continues – Here is the Team
1 MIN READ

The Medal Hunt Continues – Here is the Team

Two seriously injured during Larsson's match
1 MIN READ

Two seriously injured during Larsson's match

Viaplay profile stopped - due to Iran trip
1 MIN READ

Viaplay profile stopped - due to Iran trip

The Crown Prince Couple to the Ski World Championship
1 MIN READ

The Crown Prince Couple to the Ski World Championship

Fined 113,000 kronor for swearing in an interview
1 MIN READ

Fined 113,000 kronor for swearing in an interview

The Medal Hopes Load Up with Parents: "Peace and Quiet"
2 MIN READ

The Medal Hopes Load Up with Parents: "Peace and Quiet"

Player hit opponent with stick – risks suspension
1 MIN READ

Player hit opponent with stick – risks suspension

Erik Karlsson's bitterness: "Never again"
3 MIN READ

Erik Karlsson's bitterness: "Never again"

Won the Tour de France - Geraint Thomas is ending his career after this season
1 MIN READ

Won the Tour de France - Geraint Thomas is ending his career after this season

The Doping Dog's Secret: "To Make it More Difficult"
3 MIN READ

The Doping Dog's Secret: "To Make it More Difficult"

Pep Guardiola's prognosis: One percent chance against Real
1 MIN READ

Pep Guardiola's prognosis: One percent chance against Real

João Fonseca sensation - Won the Tournament
1 MIN READ

João Fonseca sensation - Won the Tournament