FC Barcelona secured their spot in the Champions League quarterfinals after defeating Benfica 3-1 in a match where Raphinha and Lamine Yamal stood out with great performances. Xavi Hernández's team resolved the tie in the first half, demonstrating their superiority on the pitch and controlling the Portuguese side from the start.

The match began with a minute of silence in honor of Carles Miñarro, one of Barcelona's doctors who recently passed away. The victory was dedicated to him by the entire team. From the outset, Barcelona showed great intensity, pressing high up the field, while Benfica, needing to overturn the 0-1 deficit from the first leg, came out boldly to the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys, looking for an equalizer.

The first goal came quickly, in the 11th minute, when Raphinha took advantage of a pinpoint pass from Lamine Yamal to score with a header at the far post. Yamal left his defender, Florentino, behind, changing pace to assist his Brazilian teammate. Although Benfica quickly equalized with a header from Otamendi off a poorly defended corner, Barcelona kept their composure and continued to search for the lead.

The second half of the first half was a football festival from Barcelona. First, Lamine Yamal scored a stunning goal from outside the box, beating goalkeeper Trubin with a precise shot. Three minutes before halftime, Raphinha increased the lead, scoring after a great run from Balde, who stole the ball near the area and assisted the Brazilian, who finished with ease.

Raphinha's goal had to be reviewed by VAR for a potential offside, but it was ultimately validated. In the second half, Benfica tried to react, but a goal from Aursnes was disallowed for offside on Pavlidis, who had assisted the Norwegian. Despite some isolated attempts from Benfica, Barcelona managed their advantage with intelligence and patience.

Unlike their elimination in the Copa del Rey against Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona made no mistakes and played a solid second half, without any scares. Benfica couldn't find a way to break through Barcelona's defense, and although Raphinha was close to scoring his hat-trick, he couldn't convert. With this victory, FC Barcelona advances to the quarterfinals, where they will await a stronger opponent, but with the confidence that their team, led by Pedri and with Raphinha in great form, has great potential to keep dreaming in Europe.