Raphinha scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Benfica 5-4 on Tuesday, virtually guaranteeing their direct qualification for the Champions League last 16.

Trailing 4-2 with less than 15 minutes remaining, Barcelona produced a stunning late rally to snatch victory, remaining three points behind group leaders Liverpool.

Vangelis Pavlidis netted a first-half hat-trick for Benfica, capitalising on two costly errors by Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. However, a Robert Lewandowski brace from the penalty spot, Eric Garcia’s header, and two goals from Raphinha secured a sensational triumph for the Catalans in Lisbon.

“We knew how challenging it would be here, especially with their fans and their quality players,” Raphinha told Movistar. “At 3-1 down, we stayed focused and didn’t give up. It was a spectacular match—either team could have won, but we managed to take it.”

Benfica Strike Early

Benfica opened the scoring within two minutes when Pavlidis escaped Pau Cubarsi to fire in Alvaro Carreras’ low cross.

Barcelona quickly responded as Lewandowski converted a penalty after Alejandro Balde was fouled by Benfica defender Tomas Araujo.

The hosts regained the lead through a stroke of fortune. Szczesny rushed off his line to intercept a through-ball but collided with Balde, leaving Pavlidis free to collect the ball and roll it into an empty net.

Barcelona, who brought Szczesny out of retirement to cover for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen in October, fell further behind. Pavlidis completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Szczesny brought down Kerem Akturkoglu with a rash challenge.

Barcelona’s Fightback

Despite the deficit, Barcelona continued to push forward. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha missed good chances before the break, while Anatoliy Trubin denied Jules Kounde and Pedri’s dangerous delivery went untouched by Lewandowski.

Raphinha reduced the deficit in bizarre fashion when a clearance by Trubin struck his head and ricocheted into the net. However, Benfica restored their two-goal cushion when Ronald Araujo inadvertently nudged the ball past Szczesny into his own net while attempting to block a cross.

Barcelona refused to relent. Lewandowski converted a second penalty after Nicolas Otamendi fouled Yamal, and Garcia equalised with a powerful header from Pedri’s pinpoint cross.

Raphinha’s Late Heroics

With Benfica pressing for a late winner and appealing for a penalty, Barcelona launched a swift counter-attack. Raphinha coolly slotted home in stoppage time to seal a thrilling victory.

Tempers flared after the final whistle, with players from both sides clashing amidst the tension of the dramatic finale.

“To concede in the second minute disrupts everything,” said Garcia. “But the team showed incredible mentality to come back.”

The victory keeps Barcelona firmly in contention as they chase their first Champions League title since 2015, while Benfica’s chances of advancing have taken a severe blow.