Yamal, Raphinha shine to send Barcelona through
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha were once again the stars of the show as Barcelona beat Benfica 3-1 to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The pair both scored and set the other up before Raphinha sealed a 4-1 aggregate win three minutes before half-time to set up a tie with either Borussia Dortmund or Lille next.
Hansi Flick's side hit the front in the 14th minute when Yamal's sensational solo run ended with a ball to the back post for Raphinha to guide the home first time.
But its joy was short-lived as Benfica restored parity two minutes later, with Nicolas Otamendi's header from Andreas Schjelderup's corner squirming past Wojciech Szczesny.
However, Barcelona's teenage sensation put it back ahead just before the half-hour mark, cutting inside from the right-hand side before bending a stunning strike beyond the grasp of Anatolii Trubin.
Raphinha then collected Alejandro Balde's pass inside the box following a quick counter-attack and finished with aplomb. There was confusion over whether the Brazilian's second initially stood, as play appeared to be pulled back for a foul by Otamendi on the edge of the box.
But after a check by the video assistant referee (VAR) the goal was confirmed, and Otamendi's yellow card rescinded.
Barcelona should have extended its lead in the 65th minute, with another fine free-flowing move involving Raphinha and Yamal saw the ball arrive at the feet of Frenkie de Jong in the box, but he was unable to guide his effort on target.
