Tensions ran high after Tuesday night's spectacular Champions League clash between Benfica and Barcelona (4-5). Not only were the Portuguese furious about several decisions made by referee Danny Makkelie, but according to Spanish media, there was also a confrontation in the players' tunnel involving both teams after the match.
Benfica seemed poised for an upset on home turf for much of the match, but Barcelona pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Champions League history, overturning a 4-2 deficit in the final twenty minutes to win 4-5.
The game, held at the Estádio da Luz, was a spectacle of football brilliance, drama, and controversy. The loss was heartbreaking for Benfica, who had looked dominant for much of the match, capitalizing on their opportunities and exploiting Barcelona’s defensive lapses. However, the Catalans, led by key performances from their star players, demonstrated their resilience and class to seal a victory that will live long in the memory.
Raphinha, who has consistently been a standout performer for Barcelona this season, played a pivotal role once again. The former Sporting Portugal player found himself the target of jeers and insults from the home crowd after scoring the winning goal. For the fans of Benfica, his history with their Lisbon rivals added fuel to the fire, making his decisive contribution all the more painful. The Brazilian winger’s late strike was not without controversy, as Benfica players and supporters argued that referee Danny Makkelie should have awarded a penalty to the home side moments before Barcelona’s winning goal.
The aftermath of the match only added to the drama. According to reports from Movistar+, tempers flared in the players’ tunnel, with members of both teams involved in a heated confrontation. The situation escalated to such an extent that police had to intervene to separate the players and prevent further escalation. Reflecting on the incident, Raphinha defended his reaction, stating, “I respect everyone, but I was insulted as I was leaving the field. That’s when I reacted. I know I shouldn’t do that, but the Benfica players insulted me. Then we all got angry. I respect them if they respect me, but I won’t stay silent if they insult me. But things like this happen when a match ends like that.” His candid remarks highlighted the emotional intensity of the game and the deep-seated rivalries that can boil over in moments of high tension.
In the mixed zone after the match, Raphinha admitted that his emotions got the better of him and acknowledged the possibility of facing disciplinary action. However, he also emphasized his commitment to standing up for himself in the face of provocation. Despite the controversy, the 28-year-old winger’s performances this season have been nothing short of exceptional. With ten direct contributions to goals in the Champions League (eight goals and two assists), Raphinha has cemented himself as one of Europe’s elite players. His form has led Spanish media to tout him as a legitimate candidate for the Ballon d'Or, a recognition reserved for football’s best. Reflecting on his achievements, Raphinha said, “I think I’m currently in the best phase of my career.” The Brazilian has scored 22 goals across all competitions for Barcelona this season, making him an indispensable part of the team’s success.
The thrilling nature of the game has dominated headlines, particularly in Catalonia. Barcelona’s sports newspapers have lauded the team’s incredible comeback, using headlines such as "Delirium!" and "Crazy!" to capture the spirit of the night. The word "remontada" has once again become synonymous with Barcelona, a team known for their dramatic comebacks in European competitions. For head coach Hansi Flick, the match was a testament to the character and determination of his squad. “This is football,” Flick remarked in his post-match press conference. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a comeback like this before. They [Benfica] were very effective in transitions and forced us back a lot, but the substitutions helped us tremendously. What impressed me most was our mentality.”
Flick’s tactical adjustments, particularly his substitutions, were instrumental in turning the tide of the match. The introduction of fresh legs in the attacking third gave Barcelona the edge they needed to press Benfica relentlessly in the closing stages. The coach also praised the leadership of senior players like Raphinha, whose composure under pressure was critical to the team’s success.
For Benfica, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. They had come so close to achieving a statement win against one of Europe’s giants but were undone by Barcelona’s relentless spirit and clinical finishing. The match will undoubtedly serve as a learning experience for the Portuguese side, who remain a strong team capable of competing at the highest level.
As the dust settles, the focus will inevitably shift to what this result means for the broader context of the Champions League. Barcelona’s win not only solidifies their place in the knockout stages but also sends a clear message to their rivals: they are a team to be feared. With players like Raphinha in the form of their lives and a manager like Flick at the helm, Barcelona’s ambitions of lifting another European trophy are very much alive. The next rounds will reveal whether this remarkable night in Lisbon was a stepping stone to greater glory or simply another chapter in the club’s storied history.
