Raphinha's goal in the second half made the difference between the two teams, while Wojciech Szczesny also achieved a huge performance at Estadio Da Luz to prevent Portuguese giants from finding the net.
FC Barcelona showed determination, playing ten from the first half after the expulsion of Pau Cubarsi for a tackle in the position of last man on the Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis. Hansi Flick was very satisfied with the performance of his team, as he clearly indicated during his post-match press conference (via MD).
“I am very proud of the team. After being reduced to ten in the 22nd minute, it is a great performance of the players. We played an intelligent match. We had a good goalkeeper today, who was fantastic for us. We defended in block and this is what is important. I'm happy for them. »» Flick also praised Pedri, who gave a new master lesson in the midfield before winning a title of MVP.
“An incredible level”
“It is at a brutal and incredible level. We are happy for him. »» Cubarsi's red card at the start of the match forced Flick to bring Ronald Araujo to join inigo Martinez in central defense. Dani Olmo was the player sacrificed for this change, and the midfielder was obviously annoyed to be replaced, although his coach tried to justify the decision after the match.
“It happens, I had to choose. It had nothing to do with him or his performance, it was only a question of tactical adjustments. I think we made the right changes in the game. ” Barcelona is now the big favorite to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League, even if Cubarsi is unavailable next week. If they qualify, they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille.
