Rafinha scored a thrilling stoppage-time winner as Barcelona came from behind to beat Benfica 5-4 in a tough match on Tuesday and secure direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16. Benfica was leading 4-2 with less than 15 minutes left in the match, but Barcelona stepped up. A stunning late comeback to remain three points behind leaders Liverpool. Vangelis Pavlidis scored a hat-trick for the hosts in the first half, thanks in part to two blunders by Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
But Robert Lewandowski’s brace from a penalty kick, Eric Garcia’s header and Rafinha’s brace helped Barcelona achieve a stunning last-gasp victory in Lisbon.
Barcelona coach Flick said: “It was a crazy match. Benfica played well in the first half, but we made a lot of mistakes.
Barcelona showed its determination to continue the fight after trailing 3-1 in the first half and quickly conceded again after Rafinha reduced the deficit.
“The mentality of the team, they always believe in themselves and that was unbelievable,” Flick said.
“In the second half we created more chances than them and we deserved it.”
Benfica opened the scoring in the second minute, when Pavlidis evaded Pau Koparsi and slotted home from Alvaro Carreras’ low cross.
Barcelona responded quickly and Lewandowski scored from a penalty kick after Alejandro Balde blocked Benfica defender Thomas Araujo.
The hosts took the lead with a stroke of luck, when Szczesny came out of his goal to try to cut in a through ball, but collided with Baldi.
Greek international Pavlidis happily collected the loose ball and slotted his second into an empty net.
Barcelona, who lured Szczesny out of retirement to replace the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen in October, quickly fell further behind.
Pavlidis completed his hat-trick on the half-hour mark from the penalty spot after another foul from Szczesny, the goalkeeper flying to try to clear Kerim Akturkoglu but bringing him down.
Barcelona battle returns
Lamine Yamal and Rafinha wasted two good chances before the end of the first half as Barcelona moved forward.
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin saved an attempt from Jules Kounde, who should have scored, and Lewandowski was unable to convert the dangerous ball sent by Pedri into the net.
Rafinha pulled one back for Barcelona in a strange way when Tropin’s ball hit his head on the edge of the penalty area and went back into the net.
However, Benfica soon scored again, as Ronald Araujo passed Szczesny into his own net as he attempted to cut in a cross.
Barcelona continued to press and Lewandowski scored another penalty after Nicolas Otamendi brought down Yamal.
The Catalan giants, who last won the Champions League in 2015, equalized when substitute Garcia headed home a cross from Pedri.
Szczesny saved former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria’s shot before Rafinha scored a dramatic winner.
With Benfica claiming a penalty, Barcelona launched a quick breakaway and the Brazilian winger slotted home a goal to end a huge battle.
Players from both teams clashed after the final whistle, as tensions erupted after the exciting match.
Rafinha said in statements to Movistar: “We knew how difficult it was here, in front of their fans, and they know how to play really well, and they have players at the highest level.”
“We didn’t allow ourselves to go down 3-1, we focused on what we had to do to try and turn the game around.
“It was an amazing game for everyone. They could have won or we could have won, but we managed to win.”
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