On March 11, 2025, Spanish giants FC Barcelona faced off against Portuguese side Benfica for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The stakes were high, with Barcelona entering the match having secured a narrow 1-0 victory during the first leg played earlier this month. The rematch took place at the iconic Olympic Stadium located in Barcelona, Spain, starting at 20:45 local time (Moscow time).
Barcelona's squad, under the guidance of head coach Hansi Flick, looked to build upon their previous performance and capitalize on their home advantage. The first leg was particularly noteworthy as it was marked by sending off Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, who received his marching orders on the 22nd minute. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barcelona managed to net the only goal of the game, delivered by winger Raphinha at the 61st minute.
The lead-up to the match was overshadowed by the tragic passing of the club doctor, which led to the postponement of Barcelona's earlier encounter with Osasuna. This event weighed heavily on the players and staff alike, but they remained focused on proceeding to the next stage of the Champions League.
Barcelona entered the match boasting impressive form, having not tasted defeat across all competitions since their last loss, with 13 wins and 3 draws from their previous 16 matches. On the other hand, Benfica was coming off momentum of their own, having clinched five consecutive victories domestically but were still perceived as the underdogs against the more experienced Catalan side.
Fans and analysts alike speculated about the match's outcome, with many favoring Barcelona for the win. Bookmakers suggested placing bets on Barcelona’s total goals scoring more than 2.5, with such predictions making for engaging betting dynamics.
From the onset, both teams were aggressive. Barcelona dominated possession early on and demonstrated superior passing efficiency, completing 322 passes compared to Benfica's 159. With 65% of the ball, they pressured Benfica’s defense, which struggled to maintain shape and composure.
The match quickly highlighted the tactical approaches of both teams. Barcelona focused on stringing together passes and utilizing their pace along the wings, especially focusing on Raphinha and Ferran Torres who created numerous scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Benfica attempted to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, hoping to exploit gaps left by Barcelona's attacking style.
Despite the possession and early pressure from Barcelona, the match remained scoreless heading toward the latter stages of the first half. Benfica, meanwhile, managed to mount some attacking sequences but failed to register any shots on target.
Barcelona aimed to secure their lead and temper the tension surging through the ranks by orchestrizing patient build-ups. Yet, Benfica's defensive tenacity and a few key saves from their goalkeeper kept the scoreline level as the match reached halftime.
Flick's team continued to press hard after halftime, bolstered by their home crowd, which added intensity to the proceedings. The pressure finally paid off on the scoreboard when young talent Yamal Lamine found the back of the net, putting Barcelona up 1-0 suddenly. This set the tone for the remainder of the match as Benfica was forced to chase the game.
With the clock ticking down, Barcelona's confidence grew, culminating in another well-executed attacking play, resulting in two additional goals before the final whistle. The outcome of the match fell heavily on Barcelona's composure and ability to capitalize on the attacking opportunities presented.
Statistics from the match underlined Barcelona’s dominant performance: they held 65% possession, registered six shots on target, and generated more corner kicks than Benfica, who struggled with only two. The final score read 3-1, successfully sending Barcelona through to the next round of the Champions League.
Post-match, Hansi Flick praised his team’s resolve and determination, stating, “We demonstrated tactical discipline and utilized our scoring chances effectively. The focus remains on advancing as far as possible this season.” Meanwhile, Benfica's coach acknowledged the talent imbalance and vowed to regroup for future competitions.
Date: March 11, 2025.