The incredible record that Barcelona has set against Benfica

FC Barcelona achieved another epic victory against Benfica (0-1), in a match that became complicated from the start with the expulsion of Pau Cubarsí. In the end, the saves from Wojciech Szczesny and the opportunism of Raphinha allowed Hansi Flick's team to take the lead in the round of 16 and, additionally, break another record in the UEFA Champions League. 

In Lisbon, the Blaugrana team surpassed a record set by Ajax in 1994/95. On their way to the title against AC Milan in Vienna (1-0), Louis van Gaal's team had 15 starts from players aged 18 or younger. Barcelona, on the other hand, has 16 thanks to the appearances of Lamine Yamal and Cubarsí. The center-back was only absent from the starting eleven against Atalanta (2-2), something that will happen again next Tuesday in Montjuïc against the 'eagles', this time due to suspension.

Barcelona reasserted its dominance in Lisbon

The winger, on the other hand, was only absent from the starting lineup in matchday 5 of the league phase, against Brest (3-0) due to a muscle problem. The '19' has a couple of goals and assists in the tournament, while the defender had only seen one yellow card (against Dortmund) before his early expulsion in the first leg of the round of 16. Yamal, in fact, also did not have a good night in Lisbon, leaving his place to Ferran Torres in the 56th minute.

Still, and despite the controversial refereeing by the German Felix Zwayer, who overlooked a clear red card for Luxembourg's Leandro Barreiro just before halftime, Barcelona was able to smile again at the Estadio Da Luz 43 days after the historic comeback in matchday 7 of the league phase (4-5). This time, they had to hold firm in defense and play with the opponent's desperation to take a huge step towards the quarter-finals. There, they await Dortmund or Lille, who drew in Germany on Tuesday (1-1).

⚽Players aged 18 who started for FC Barcelona in the Champions 2024/25

1. Against AS Monaco: Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.
2. Against Young Boys: Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.
3. Against Bayern Munich: Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.
4. Against Red Star: Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.
5. Against Stade Brest: Pau Cubarsí.
6. Against Borussia Dortmund: Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.
7. Against Benfica: Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.
8. Against Atalanta: Lamine Yamal.
9. Against Benfica: Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.