Barcelona player ratings vs Benfica: Raphinha rocket and sensational Wojciech Szczesny saves seal courageous Champions League win for 10-man Blaugrana after Pau Cubarsi red card

The Catalan giants were indebted to their Brazilian winger and the brilliance of their goalkeeper to secure a first-leg advantage in Lisbon

Barcelona, with 10 men, put in a gritty, professional performance to beat Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

An electric opening to the first half saw Wojciech Szczesny make an excellent stop 30 seconds in, while Robert Lewandowski was denied by a brilliant double save from Anatoliy Trubin.

On 20 minutes, Benfica broke beyond Barca's press and Pau Cubarsi brought down Vangelis Pavlidis on the edge of the box with a slide tackle. As the last man, Cubarsi was sent off by the referee, a decision that was upheld by VAR.

Benfica repeatedly tested Szczesny, but on the hour, 10-man Barca took the lead as Raphinha intercepted a loose ball in midfield, drove forward, and took aim from range, finding the bottom corner via a slight deflection.

Szczesny was fortunate to avoid giving away a late penalty, as he fouled Andrea Belotti in the box, but the Italian was ruled to be offside in the build-up. The Pole then made a superb late save to deny Renato Sanches at the death.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (9/10):
Superb throughout. Some exceptional saves, repeatedly denying Benfica as they laid siege to the Barca box. Could have given a late penalty away after bringing down Belotti, but VAR came to his rescue as the Italian striker was offside. Given his performance, he deserved the good fortune.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Kept busy throughout but defended excellently. Wasn't able to push forward as much as usual due to obvious circumstances.
Pau Cubarsi (2/10):
Made a dramatic last-ditch tackle on Pavlidis but mistimed it and was sent off.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Took a nasty knock in the first half but recovered to play on and put his body on the line whenever he could.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Some surging runs from left-back, including one that saw him take out three Benfica players with some fancy footwork.

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Midfield
Frenkie de Jong (6/10):
Always takes great care of the ball but somewhat struggled with Benfica's aggressive press before being subbed.
Pedri (7/10):
Ran the game on the ball. Had a lot to do defensively and mucked in manfully, even if it really isn't the best side of his game.
Dani Olmo (6/10):
Subbed after the red card. The unfortunate victim of Flick's tactical shift to a 4-4-1.
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Attack
Lamine Yamal (3/10):
The red card completely ruined any chance of Yamal getting any rhythm going, but he was anonymous, and was hooked on 55 minutes.
Robert Lewandowski (6/10):
Denied twice in quick succession by a superb double save from Trubin in the first half. His best moment and he was subbed late.
Raphinha (8/10):
Scored an excellent goal, driving home from range. Always so positive, and willing to take responsibility. Has matured into perhaps Barcelona's best player.

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Subs & Manager
Ronald Araujo (7/10):
On for Olmo after the red. Dominated aerially in a fine display.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
Came on for Yamal early in the second half. Just as ineffective.
Gerard Martin (5/10):
Replaced Lewandowski. Barely touched the ball.
Marc Casado (N/A):
On for De Jong late to get some fresh legs into midfield.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
Bringing Araujo on for Olmo paid immense dividends. His tactical shift required Barca to defend well throughout, but they did exactly that. A fine night's work.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager