A Night Defined by Wojciech Szczesny: Benfica Falter Despite Numerical Advantage

Added at:
another languages: uk ru


Some matches become the stuff of legend for a goalkeeper—when his team seems destined to lose, yet his heroics turn the tide and inspire everyone around him. That’s exactly how it played out for Wojciech Szczesny and Barcelona against Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League clash.

After Kubarsi was sent off as early as the 22nd minute, Barcelona were forced to soldier on a man down. Sensing weakness, Benfica launched wave after wave of attacks, carving out plenty of chances before halftime. Time and again, though, Wojciech Szczesny rescued the visitors with his pinpoint saves and fearless command of the box.

The hosts’ relentless pressure continued after the break, but it was their own defensive lapse that proved decisive. Rafinha seized on a moment of confusion at the back to blast the ball home, nestling it under the crossbar beyond the reach of Anatoliy Trubin. Stunned, Benfica poured forward in desperate search of an equalizer, only to find Wojciech Szczesny in imperious form. The more he saved, the more the home side’s nerves took over—until, with the final whistle, Benfica were left to ponder a frustrating defeat despite their “one-man advantage.”

It’s far from over, though. In a week’s time, these two teams will square off again on Barcelona’s home turf. With everything still on the line, don’t be surprised if this dramatic duel has yet another twist or two before the final chapter is written.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

Benfica - Barcelona 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Raphinha, 61 (0:1)

Benfica: Trubin; Araújo T. (Dahl, 58); Otamendi; Silva A.; Fernandez Ál.; Barreiro L. (Belotti, 70); Kökçü (Sanches R., 84); Pavlidis E. (Cabral, 84); Schjelderup (Rego Joao, 70); Aursnes; Aktürkoglu
Bench: Soares S.; Bajrami Adrian; Leandro Santos; Prioste; Felix N.; Prestianni; Sequeira Hugo
Yellow Cards: Silva A. 45; Barreiro L. 45; Fernandez Ál. 73; Rego Joao 90

Barcelona: Szczesny; Balde Al.; Cubarsí (till 22); Kounde; Martinez In.; de Jong F. (Martín, 79); Olmo (Araujo R., 28); Raphinha; Yamal (Torres F., 56); Lewandowski (Casado M., 79); Pedri
Bench: Kochen Diego; Peña I.; Garcia E.; Fort H.; Torre P.; Fermin; Pau Victor; Fati An.
Yellow Cards: Martinez In. 45
Red cards: Cubarsí 22'

another languages: uk ru

Sport News RSS - Sport News - Terrikon

26 April

09:10
Heartbreak for Stuttgart as European Dreams Fade
08:23
Will They or Won’t They? Real Madrid Stir Up Chaos Before Copa del Rey Final
08:06
The End of Paris Saint-Germain's Unbeaten Run in Ligue 1

25 April

09:38
CONCACAF Champions Cup Shock: Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Fall to Vancouver Whitecaps
09:23
Real Betis Light Up La Liga as Champions League Dream Draws Closer
08:54
Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois: Undisputed Heavyweight Title Clash Postponed
08:39
Girona’s Nightmare Run Continues as Late Drama Sinks Hopes Again
08:19
Atletico Madrid Brush Aside Rayo Vallecano to Cement Champions League Hopes

24 April

20:31
Serie A Match Postponed Following Lecce Staff Tragedy
14:40
End of an Era: Leicester City Legend Jamie Vardy Announces Departure
11:11
Copa Libertadores: Goalkeeping Howler Sinks Botafogo, River Plate Rescue a Point
10:09
Juventus Stumble Again — Shock Defeat to Parma Puts UCL Hopes in Jeopardy
08:51
Madrid Keep Pressure on Barcelona Ahead of El Clásico Showdown
08:37
AC Milan Humiliate Inter to Reach Coppa Italia Final in Style
08:20
Arsenal Slip Again — Liverpool One Step Away From Premier League Glory

23 April

17:09
Barcelona Secure Hansi Flick's Future Until 2027
10:49
Copa Libertadores: Internacional Pull Off Stunning 3-Goal Comeback & Highlights from Matchday 3
08:59
Valencia and Espanyol Share the Points in Relegation Six-Pointer
08:44
Barcelona Fire 40 Shots But Settle for Narrow Win Over Mallorca
08:28
PSG Drop Points Against Relegation-Battling Nantes
08:13
City Snatch Late Victory Over Aston Villa to Climb to Third

22 April

14:40
Manchester United Eye Double Real Madrid Raid: Lunin and Tchouaméni for €100 Million
08:37
Girona's Freefall Continues as Relegation Fears Grow
08:19
Nottingham Forest Bounce Back to Third After Win Over Tottenham

21 April

23:13
Leeds United and Burnley Seal Return to the Premier League