Barcelona stun Benfica with epic 5-4 comeback in Lisbon

Barcelona staged an astonishing comeback at Estádio da Luz, overturning a 4-2 deficit to defeat Benfica 5-4 in a dramatic UEFA Champions League encounter.

Benfica struck early when Fredrik Aursnes set up Vangelis Pavlidis for a close-range opener. Barcelona levelled soon after as Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty following Tomás Araújo’s foul on Alejandro Balde.

However, Pavlidis restored Benfica’s lead after capitalizing on a defensive error, before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Wojciech Szcz?sny fouled Kerem Aktürko?lu.

Trailing 3-1 at the break, Barcelona looked revitalized in the second half. A bizarre own goal, as Raphinha headed a routine goal kick into the net, gave them hope, though Benfica quickly responded with a deflected Andreas Schjelderup strike to make it 4-2.

Barcelona refused to yield, with Lewandowski converting another penalty after Nicolás Otamendi’s foul on Lamine Yamal. Eric García equalised with a late header, and in stoppage time, Raphinha struck on the counter after Benfica’s penalty appeal was waved off.

The thrilling victory secured Barcelona’s strong position for direct qualification to the Round of 16, leaving Benfica’s prospects hanging by a thread in a memorable night of football.

The post Barcelona stun Benfica with epic 5-4 comeback in Lisbon first appeared on 3News.

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