S Poddar
Barcelona’s campaign in the Champions League became even more meaningful as they booked a quarter-final spot at the expense of Galatasaray in tribute to the club doctor Carles Miñarro, who had died in tragic circumstances just a few days prior.
On Tuesday morning, Miñarro was given a funeral after his unexpected death at the team hotel had left a profound impact on the team. The players honored him in the only way they could that evening—by producing a commanding performance on the field.
“We tried to do everything for him,” said Pedri after Barcelona’s commanding 3-1 victory over Benfica at Montjuïc, a result that carried emotional weight for the entire team.
“He will be supporting us wherever he is; it is very important for us to win for him,” coach Hansi Flick had expressed earlier. His team responded with an inspired display, showcasing their strength and determination.
Barcelona’s first half was nothing short of spectacular. Raphinha netted twice, and Lamine Yamal made history to become the youngest player in Champions League history to score and assist in a Champions League match at only 17 years and 241 days old.
“What has occurred strengthened us,” declared Raphinha after the game. The Brazilian also went on record and said that Barcelona were title contenders for this year and, having seen their performance, their claim did not appear out of place.
Benfica got overpowered by Barcelona’s continuous attack. At halftime, the score was 3-1, and the aggregate score 4-1, which favored the visitors unjustly. Barcelona’s shot margin was an imposing 12-1, and Benfica were almost relief at the interval rather than dismay when the half-time whistle went. Any ideas of a rally quickly dissipated, and Barcelona in the second half were less about increasing the gap than looking after the situation. From the very start, Barcelona appeared a team on purpose. Frenkie de Jong’s initial surge established the tempo for a rapid, high-octane performance. The match was defined by rapid movement, clever positioning, and mesmerizing individual talent—particularly from Lamine Yamal, who seemed to be everywhere, harassing Benfica’s defense.
Raphinha, who has terrorized Benfica in past encounters, maintained his stranglehold over them, taking his goal tally to five in three matches. Pedri, who was once perceived to be physically fragile, now looked strong and composed. Dani Olmo used gaps that others didn’t even notice, always managing to find space. Alejandro Balde made runs from the defense, providing a new dimension to the attack.
Only Robert Lewandowski appeared a little below his best. Twice, he was in good positions close to the penalty area—first after a pass from Yamal, then from Olmo—but unusually, he was unable to turn either opportunity into a goal.
In spite of that, Barcelona did not give in. They opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a flash of brilliance from Lamine Yamal. He beat Florentino Luís with his pace and agility, shaping to shoot but instead scuffing his effort slightly. What looked like a mis-hit became the ideal ball for Raphinha, who volleyed it into the net.
Their party was just getting started when Benfica replied. Nicolás Otamendi took advantage of a corner, heading the ball in after it had rebounded off Lewandowski. But Barcelona were not rattled, and Lamine Yamal then came up with a piece of magic.
The teenager collected the ball just inside the corner flag and went on a mesmerizing run, moving aside Tomás Araújo with natural ease. As he reached the penalty box, he used a deft flick of the ankle, having the ball swivel 20 yards into the distance corner. It drifted, floated, and tantalized its way past Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, as if cheating the laws of nature.
Raphinha, aware of the brilliance of the goal, sprinted over and dramatically cleaned Yamal’s boot in celebration. Shortly afterwards, he did it again, slotting home a move initiated by Balde’s rampaging charge. His low, powerful shot had no chance for the goalkeeper, although the goal was momentarily called into doubt by an offside flag before VAR ratified it. The Brazilian then perched atop the advertising boards, arms spread wide, basking in the glory.
With the game effectively won before halftime, Barcelona relaxed in the second half. The desperation was lost, but they still dominated the proceedings. Ronald Araújo went close to adding another, heading into the side-netting early in the half. A clever flick from Yamal almost set up Olmo for a fourth, but the opportunity didn’t arise.
Benfica attempted to come back, but their effort was half-hearted. Vangelis Pavlidis drove a shot down the middle at Wojciech Szczęsny, while Iñigo Martínez put in a vital block to keep out Samuel Dahl. A quick VAR review for a possible handball by Martínez was inconsequential, mirroring the absence of genuine belief from Benfica’s team.
Their best chance at another goal came when Zeki Amdouni headed the ball, which was cleared off the line by Jules Koundé with five minutes left. By then, however, the game had already been won. Barcelona continued to be in charge, controlling the pace and making sure there would be no late drama.
This was not just a win—it was a declaration. It was more than that—it was a tribute. The evening was Barcelona’s, Lamine Yamal’s genius, and a cruising display that made it clear that they meant business in the Champions League. But most importantly, it was an evening for Carles Miñarro, the individual who had nurtured them, and whose memory they paid tribute to in the finest manner.
