In a night of Champions League magic that will live long in the memory, Barcelona’s Brazilian star Raphinha etched his name into club lore with a stunning stoppage-time winner to complete a scarcely believable 5-4 comeback victory over Benfica. The thrilling match saw momentum swing wildly as Barça fell behind 3-1 at halftime and 4-2 late on, before a trio of clutch goals, capped by Raphinha’s thunderbolt, snatched an improbable result from the jaws of defeat.
Raphinha Reaches Rarefied Air
The hero of the hour was undoubtedly Raphinha, whose sensational brace, including the 93rd-minute clincher, punctuated a spectacular individual display. The 25-year-old Brazilian international is quickly becoming one of Barcelona’s most influential players, with his slaloming runs, incisive passing, and lethal finishing proving instrumental to their success this term.
I think I am in the best moment of my career, yes.
– Raphinha
Speaking to reporters after his Champions League heroics, a beaming Raphinha admitted he’s reached a new level in his burgeoning career. “I think I am in the best moment of my career, yes,” the winger confirmed, before crediting Barcelona’s resilient mentality for the epic fightback.
Record-Breaking Form
Raphinha’s Benfica brace took his Champions League tally to a remarkable 8 goals in 6 appearances this campaign. Overall, the electric wide man boasts a career-high 22 goals and 10 assists across all competitions in 2025-26, cementing his status among the game’s elite at the tender age of 25.
- 22 goals, 10 assists in all competitions (career-high)
- 8 Champions League goals (leads competition)
Mental Fortitude Fuels Fightback
Trailing 3-1 at the break and 4-2 entering the final 15 minutes, Barcelona seemed destined for a chastening defeat. But the Blaugrana showed the steel and self-belief of champions, willing themselves to a famous victory. Raphinha credited the squad’s unshakable mindset as the catalyst for their incredible comeback.
We had the mindset that we could turn the game around after the break, scoring a second to get back into the game and we managed to do it in the end. We never gave up and grabbed a win.
– Raphinha on Barcelona’s mentality
Refusing to fold in the face of adversity, Barça scored three times in the final 15 minutes to snatch a scarcely deserved 5-4 victory. It was a testament to the squad’s supreme confidence and never-say-die attitude, qualities they will surely need in abundance to navigate the Champions League knockout rounds.
Barcelona’s Bright Future
With Raphinha in the form of his life and a supporting cast featuring young phenoms like Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati, Barcelona look poised to compete for major silverware on all fronts in the years ahead. If they can consistently summon the mental fortitude and attacking firepower they showed in overcoming Benfica, the Catalan giants may soon recapture their past Champions League glories.
One thing is certain — with Raphinha as their talisman and a wealth of emerging talent in tow, Barcelona’s future is blindingly bright. Performances like the miraculous 5-4 comeback over Benfica will only embolden this ambitious young squad as they aim to reestablish the Blaugrana among Europe’s true titans in the seasons to come.
