UCL: Yamal and Raphinha Propel FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona secured their ticket to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Benfica, driven by an inspired Lamine Yamal and a brace from Raphinha.

In the 6th minute, Yamal tested goalkeeper Trubin after a counter-attack orchestrated by Pedri. After some missed opportunities, the young Catalan prodigy broke the deadlock with an impressive run before assisting Raphinha, who opened the scoring. Benfica quickly responded: from a corner, Otamendi equalized with a header (13th). But Barcelona regained the lead with a splendid strike from Yamal (27th), before Raphinha doubled the score just before halftime (42nd).

In the second half, the Catalans managed their lead against a powerless Lisbon team. The Blaugrana club will face the winner of the Borussia Dortmund-Lille clash in the quarters. A reassuring performance for Hansi Flick's men, buoyed by a dazzling attacking duo.

Aliou Toundé |

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