Thanks to a lone goal by Raphinha when the match had surpassed the one-hour mark, and a great performance by Szczesny, who made up to eight crucial saves, Barcelona gained an advantage in their tie against Benfica in the round of 16 of the Champions League. A tremendously valuable result for the return leg after Pau Cubarsí's early red card.

Cubarsí's first red card with Barcelona

The incident took place at the 22nd minute of the match. Pavlidis made a run behind the defense and, when he was in position to finish, Pau Cubarsí threw himself to the ground to prevent his shot and ended up knocking down the Greek forward. Felix Zwayer, the referee of the match between Benfica and Barcelona, did not hesitate to show him the red card. A decision that was not overturned by the VAR.

It was a play that certainly reminded FC Barcelona fans of the one that led to Ronald Araujo's red card against PSG last season. Cubarsí tried to explain the play to the referee in an attempt to get him to reconsider his decision. But he wasn't able to convince him, and he ultimately received his first red card in 65 matches since debuting with Barcelona.

Who will replace Cubarsí?

Since it was a challenge made while the ball was in play and without excessive force, the most likely sanction from UEFA for Cubarsí will be a one-match ban. Therefore, if Barcelona manages to maintain the advantage in the return leg against Benfica, Cubarsí could be available again for a potential quarter-final match against Lille or Borussia Dortmund.

"These things happen in a match. The important thing is how you react, and the reaction has been very good," said Hansi Flick after the match. Now, however, he will need to find a reliable solution to replace Pau Cubarsí. By profile, Eric García is the one who most closely resembles him. But everything seems to indicate that, as happened yesterday, Araujo will be his replacement.