Benfica 0-1 FC Barcelona result - UEFA Champions League latest as Raphinha nets winner after Pau Cubarsi is sent off

A second-half strike by Raphinha gave Barcelona a 1-0 advantage to take back home for next week’s second leg against Benfica.

The Portuguese side came into the match as underdogs but showed their early threat through striker Vangelis Pavlidis.

The task for Hansi Flick’s side became harder in the 22nd minute when defender Pau Cubarsi was shown a straight red card for fouling Pavlidis, who was otherwise through on goal.

Despite being down to 10 men, Barcelona managed the game and on the rare occasions Pavlidis and Orkun Kokcu got through, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny denied them.

Then in the 61st minute, Raphinha capitalised on a defensive error and ruthlessly fired home the winner.

Benfica threw everything forward late on but substitute Renato Sanches saw his volley matched by Szczesny as the visitors held on.

Hansi Flick singled out goalkeeper Szczesny for praise in his post-match reaction.

He said: "I'm proud of the team. We have a very good goalkeeper, he was fantastic for us. We defended together and that was important."

TNT Sports commentator Sam Matterface praised Barcelona for ‘staying in control’ in their 1-0 win at Benfica, despite playing over 68 minutes with 10 men.

He said: "It was a slug-fest last time these two played each other, but tonight Barcelona just stayed in control.

"Despite the loss of Pau Cubarsi, sent off after 22 minutes, they worked their socks off and still managed to go toe-to-toe with Benfica.

"They adjusted their game, soaked up the pressure and hit on the break. When they got their chance, Raphinha took it."

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A strike of defiance by Raphinha gives Barcelona a one-goal lead to take back to Catalonia for the second leg.

Benfica had their chances but lacked the killer instinct. When the visitors did find a way through, they were met by an inspired performance by goalkeeper Szczesny.

Young Barcelona defender Cubarsi will breath a sigh of relief as his side survived despite playing 68 minutes with 10 men following his sending off.

That’s full-time and 10-man Barcelona hold on for a 1-0 victory.

It’s Szczesny again who meets a well-hit Sanches volley which looked destined to crash into the net.

A lazy challenge by the substitute on Pedri.

Benfica are putting a host of pressure on though short corners late in this match.

The ball falls for Cabral at the front post whose effort is matched by a last ditch block.

Four minutes added on

A searching ball across the six-yard boxes allows Rego to lunge at the ball towards goal. However, the substitute can only stab the ball wide under pressure.

Kokcu is replaced by Sanches; Pavlidis is taken off for Cabral

Belotti looks to have beaten the off-side trap. Martinez fails to clear the ball allowing the Benfica man to run onto the goalkeeper. Szczesny looks to have got a hand to Belotti’s leg causing him to go down.

VAR has a look and judges that Belotti was conveniently in an off-side position regardless.

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Akturkoglu turns on the ball inside the box taking it off Pavlidis’ boot. However, his effort is a weak one and easy for Szczesny.

Carreras will miss the second leg of this tie after picking up a booking. He arrived late for the challenge and catches the boot of Kounde.

Schjelderup is taken off for Rego; and Barreiro is replaced by Belotti 

Lewandowski is awarded a foul after going up with his marker. Frustration is starting to fill the faces of the Benfica players.

Benfica look for an immediate reply, but Kokcu’s shot lacks enough power and accuracy to test the Barcelona goal as the ball flies wide.

Raphinha capitalises on a poor defensive pass across the Benfica box. The Barcelona striker pounces on the loose ball and rifles his effort low into the goal.

This time its Schjelderup who tries his luck from range. The ball flies through the legs of Silva before flying wide.