Majestic Lamine Yamal Shines as Barcelona beat Benfica 3-1 to reach Champions League QFs

 


Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was once again the standout performer as Barcelona secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a victory over Benfica.

The 17-year-old showcased his brilliance by setting up Raphinha’s opener with a sublime assist before delivering a breathtaking goal of his own, restoring Barca’s lead at 2-1 on the night and extending their aggregate advantage to 3-1.

Nicolas Otamendi had briefly revived Benfica’s hopes with a powerful header to cancel out Raphinha’s strike, but Yamal’s moment of magic swung the momentum firmly in Barcelona’s favor. Raphinha then sealed the win with a precise finish into the bottom corner.

There was a moment of uncertainty surrounding Raphinha’s second goal, as the referee initially seemed to halt play for an apparent foul by Otamendi near the edge of the box. However, after a VAR review, the goal was upheld, and Otamendi’s yellow card was overturned. Barcelona went 3-1 ahead & 4-1 on Aggregate which was the final scoreline. 

While Yamal stole the spotlight with his dazzling contributions, Raphinha also played a crucial role, taking his direct involvement in Champions League goals this season to 16.

Yamal’s Star Continues to Rise

Barcelona have a true gem in Lamine Yamal, and his impact is becoming harder to ignore. Having already dazzled on the international stage by helping Spain triumph at the European Championship last summer, the young forward has only grown in stature.

His goal and assist against Benfica took his season tally to 28 goal contributions, but it’s not just the numbers that impress—it’s the sheer quality of his play.

For the opening goal, he executed a perfectly weighted flick through the defense, allowing Raphinha to volley home. Later, his own majestic strike was a display of pure technique, curling an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.

Barcelona could have extended their lead further, but Frenkie de Jong squandered a golden opportunity, steering his close-range effort wide after a well-worked team move.

Nonetheless, Yamal’s brilliance ensured Barca’s comfortable passage into the last eight, reinforcing his status as one of football’s most exciting young talents.


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