10-man Barcelona managed to beat Benfica thanks to Raphinha’s stunner.
image via ~ @ChampionsLeague/ X
Barcelona managed to pull a triumph over Benfica despite going down to 10 men in the first 25 minutes of the game in the Champions League clash on Wednesday. An irrational tackle by Pau Cubarsi on the Benfica man who was one-on-one with the keeper saw the youngster receive a straight red card.
Although Barcelona played for over an hour with one player less, the Spanish side managed to win in Lisbon. A stunning long-range strike from captain Raphinha secured a 1-0 victory for the Catalans over the hosts in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona Manager, expressed his thoughts post-game saying he is proud of what his squad managed to do today. The red card for Cubarsí was the centre of many questions for the Blaugrana coach as he said,
“It was not easy to play with 10 men and we did it well. We defended fantastically well and I can only say well done. Everyone gave everything and we reacted well and stayed compact.”
Flick also took time to praise his goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny who kept the walls strong at all times. The Polish keeper made eight saves in the game and his manager praised him by saying:
“We have a great keeper and he saved us and helped us to a clean sheet. I know how good he is as I see him in training every day,” commented the coach.
Raphinha is leading Barcelona by example
Another player who has shined for Barcelona throughout this season is Raphinha. After scoring the game-winner against Benfica, the Brazilian is now the second-highest scorer (9) in the Champions League this season.
The 28-year-old is also leading Barcelona in La Liga as they sit on top of the table after 28 games. Raphinha has been instrumental for them with 20 G/A in 26 games for them. He is also the highest-rated player in La Liga this season as per SofaScore.
Barcelona, who are being chased by the clubs of Madrid in La Liga, will take huge confidence from this victory in Portugal. With their forward line looking sharper than ever, the Spanish side are contenders in every competition they play in this season.
I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!
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