Game of the season in the Champions League so far? Undoubtedly. How about the game of any Champions League season? For group-stage matches at least, it’s got to be in the conversation.
Nine goals, a 30-minute hat-trick, an unlikely comeback, a last-gasp winner, comedic errors and a dressing-down on the pitch at full-time, all played out in teeming rain in Lisbon, made this a night to remember.
Benfica were brilliant for 77 minutes, and while Barcelona’s defence was fragile throughout, they were a constant threat at the other end in a high-octane thriller, with a honking 75 per cent possession and 22 shots.
Seconds before Raphinha broke away in the 96th minute, all on his own in the Benfica half, to win the game, Benfica wanted a penalty and the VAR had a long look but Barcelona weren’t to be denied.
It was an utterly breathless finish and the drama continued after the final whistle when Benfica manager Bruno Lage got the team in a circle on the pitch, Phil Brown-style, and let them know exactly what he thought of them throwing away a two-goal lead.
GO FURTHER
Champions League Briefing: A Barcelona win for the ages. Why did City sell Alvarez? Can anyone stop Liverpool?
