Benfica vs Barcelona, Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal made Champions League history as he led the Blaugrana to a 3-1 victory over Benfica, securing their quarter-final spot with a 4-1 aggregate win. At just 17 years and 241 days old, Yamal became the youngest player ever to score and assist in a single Champions League knockout game—a feat not even Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo achieved at his age.
The teenager’s sensational display at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys has football fans buzzing, with many calling him Barcelona’s next superstar. But what does this record-breaking night mean for Yamal’s career, and can he continue this form in the Champions League quarter-finals? Let’s dive into the full match analysis, key stats, and expert insights.
Match Recap: Benfica vs Barcelona (3-1, 4-1 Aggregate)
First Half: Yamal & Raphinha Steal the Show
Bright Start for Barcelona
- 11′ – GOAL! ⚽ Lamine Yamal turned provider with a pinpoint assist to Raphinha, who buried the ball into the bottom corner to give Barcelona an early 1-0 lead.
- 13′ – Benfica Responds! ⚽ Nicolas Otamendi equalized within two minutes, exposing a momentary lapse in the Blaugrana defense.
Yamal Enters the Record Books
- 28′ – GOAL! ⚽ Lamine Yamal made history, finishing off a perfect cross from Raphinha to restore Barcelona’s lead and become the youngest player to score and assist in a Champions League knockout game.
Raphinha Strikes Again
- 42′ – GOAL! ⚽ Raphinha completed his brace just before halftime, converting an unstoppable shot past Benfica’s goalkeeper to put Barcelona 3-1 up on the night and virtually seal their quarter-final spot.
Second Half: Defensive Resilience & Tactical Masterclass
Barcelona controlled the game in the second half, with manager Hansi Flick opting for a more compact defensive shape to see out the win. Benfica struggled to create clear chances, while Wojciech Szczęsny made key saves to preserve Barcelona’s two-goal cushion.
Key Match Stats & Player Ratings
| Statistic | Barcelona | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 64% | 36% |
| Shots (On Target) | 14 (7) | 7 (3) |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% | 78% |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls Committed | 10 | 15 |
Barcelona Player Ratings (1-10)
Lamine Yamal (9/10) – Man of the Match – Historic night! A goal and an assist, cementing his place in the history books.
Raphinha (9/10) – Scored two crucial goals and assisted Yamal’s record-breaking strike.
Frenkie de Jong (8/10) – Controlled the midfield and dictated Barcelona’s tempo.
Wojciech Szczęsny (7.5/10) – Made vital second-half saves to deny Benfica any chance of a comeback.
Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica, 6.5/10) – Scored his team’s only goal but couldn’t stop Barcelona’s attack.
Lamine Yamal: The Youngest Player to Score & Assist in a UCL Knockout Game
At just 17 years and 241 days, Lamine Yamal became:
The youngest player in Champions League history to register a goal and an assist in a knockout match.
The first teenager to do so in a Champions League last-16 game.
The youngest Barcelona player to score in the knockout stages.
This remarkable record puts Yamal ahead of legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who had to wait longer to make their mark on Europe’s biggest stage.
How Does Yamal Compare to Messi & Ronaldo at 17?
- Messi (17 years, 331 days) – Scored his first UCL goal in a group-stage match vs Panathinaikos.
- Ronaldo (17 years, 350 days) – Hadn’t yet scored in the UCL at this age.
- Yamal (17 years, 241 days) – Scored and assisted in a UCL knockout match, breaking records!
💬 What Experts Are Saying
Fabio Capello: “Yamal is extraordinary! But let’s not compare him to Messi yet—he has a long way to go.”
Hansi Flick: “This kid is special. He is fearless and ready for the biggest stage.”
What’s Next for Barcelona in the UCL?
With their Champions League quarter-final spot secured, Barcelona will now face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the next round.
📅 Upcoming Fixtures
⚽ La Liga: Barcelona vs Sevilla (March 16)
⚽ UCL Quarter-Final First Leg: TBD (April 9)
⚽ UCL Quarter-Final Second Leg: TBD (April 16)
Can Barcelona go all the way in the Champions League with Yamal leading the charge?
Watch the video: Magical Yamal
Conclusion
Lamine Yamal’s record-breaking performance vs Benfica has firmly placed him among Europe’s elite young stars. His goal and assist helped Barcelona cruise into the quarter-finals, while breaking a Champions League record even Messi and Ronaldo never achieved.
With Barcelona hitting top form, and Yamal playing with confidence beyond his years, the Blaugrana look like serious contenders for the UCL title.
🚀 Can Yamal continue his historic rise in the UCL? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
1. What Champions League record did Lamine Yamal break?
Lamine Yamal became the youngest player ever (17 years, 241 days) to score and assist in a Champions League knockout match, a record that even Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo never achieved.
2. What was the final score between Barcelona and Benfica?
Barcelona won 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate, advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals.
3. Who was the best player in the Barcelona vs Benfica match?
Lamine Yamal (9/10) and Raphinha (9/10) were the standout performers, both contributing goals and assists.
4. What team will Barcelona face in the Champions League quarter-finals?
Barcelona will play either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the UCL quarter-finals.
5. Is Lamine Yamal the next Lionel Messi?
Yamal’s Champions League heroics are impressive, but he still has a long way to go before matching Messi’s legendary status. However, his talent and potential suggest he could be Barcelona’s next big superstar.
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