Barcelona overcame Benfica 3-1 in their Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 4-1 aggregate victory. Raphinha scored twice and Lamine Yamal produced a stunning goal in a dominating first half.
Following a one-one draw in Germany, Lille and Borussia Dortmund will play on Wednesday. Barca will be the champion. Teenager Yamal was relentless down the right channel and generated most of Barca’s goal possibilities.
Before crossing for Raphinha to score with a close-range shot in the 11th minute, the 17-year-old Spain winger made an amazing solo move leaving two opponent on the ground.
Two minutes later, Nicolas Otamendi headed in a corner kick for Benfica, but Barca persisted, Yamal proving too much for left back Samuel Dahl.
Yamal missed a low drive from the edge of the box before putting the home team back in ahead in the 28th minute. Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo had opportunities.
He beat a perplexed Dahl and struck a left-footed effort into Anatoliy Trubin’s top-right corner.
Yamal, 17 years and 241 days, became the youngest player to score and assist in a Champions League game, topping Basel’s Breel Embolo’s 2014 record by 22 days.
Following a quick counter-attack in the 42nd minute stretched Barca’s lead, Raphinha climbed top of the Champions League scoring chart with 11 goals.
Though the 28-year-old striker broke the milestone, Jardel, Rivaldo, Kaka, Neymar, and Firmino have 10 Champions League goals.
Against a Benfica squad lacking the drive and firepower to challenge them in a second half resembling training, Barcelona prevailed after half against.
Following an undefeated 17-game run across all contests, Barca are in contention for three big titles. Drawing 4-4 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg before the April 2 return, they top LaLiga and make it to the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Movistar Plus: “We are real candidates on all fronts,” says Raghinha
Benfica was considered to be strong, and we understood how to win. Our first focus was this. We won and did a good first half.
Yamal has an incredible ambition. His character is evident. A fantastic player. We can triumph in anything with him.
