Barcelona Player Ratings vs Benfica (3-1): Raphinha, Pedri, and Yamal Impress in UCL Round of 16 Win

Spanish powerhouse Barcelona claimed a commanding 3-1 victory over Portuguese outfit Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) Round of 16 meeting on Tuesday night, 11 March. 

Having beaten the Eagles 1-0 in the first leg, Barca became the first team to qualify for the UCL quarter-finals this season with a 4-1 aggregate scoreline.

The Blaugrana got the perfect start at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal brilliantly assisting teammate Raphinha for the opener in the 11th minute. Benfica, however, trailed for just two minutes, as captain Nicolas Otamendi scored a thumping header from a corner to restore parity.

The equalizer temporarily put a spring in the visitors’ steps, but Barca refused to surrender control. Yamal fired the home side back into the lead in the 27th minute before Raphinha put the tie to bed with his 42nd-minute strike. Click here for the match highlights and the detailed match report.

Barcelona Player Ratings vs Benfica (3-1): Raphinha, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal Run Riot

Wojciech Szczesny (6.5/10):

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny produced one of the best performances of his career in the UCL Round of 16 first leg, deservedly dominating our Barcelona player ratings for that game. He made eight saves as 10-man Barcelona sealed a 1-0 win. The Polish shot-stopper was not nearly as busy in the second leg, but he held his own. He made one save and got his gloves on Nicolas Otamendi’s equalizer.

Jules Kounde (7/10):

The French right-back delivered another solid performance on Tuesday. He munched miles, created a couple of chances, won two tackles, recorded five recoveries, and came out on top in each of his five duels.

Ronald Araujo (7/10):

With Pau Cubarsi suspended following his straight red in the first leg, Ronald Araujo captained Barcelona on Tuesday. He won two tackles, cleared the ball four times, and made three recoveries. The Uruguayan also won five of seven ground duels and committed just one foul.

Inigo Martinez (7/10):

Inigo Martinez, 33, produced a collected showing against Benfica. He was tidy in possession, won three of four aerial duels, and recorded three clearances. The Spaniard is one of the pillars of Hansi Flick’s rampant Barca.

Alex Balde (7.5/10):

Barcelona left-back Alex Balde tormented Benfica all night long. He was devilishly quick, completed five dribbles, and perfectly set up the second goal for Raphinha. Balde was also tidy at the back, winning eight duels and recording six recoveries.

Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

Frenkie de Jong was the calming presence in midfield as Barcelona beat Benfica 1-0 in the first leg. He was once again solid on Tuesday, completing 76 deliveries with 96% accuracy, playing six es into the final third, and creating a chance.

Pedri (8.5/10):

The beating heart of Barcelona’s midfield, Pedri was untouchable in the UCL Round of 16 second leg against Benfica. He created three chances, completed 84 es with 95% accuracy, and played six es into the final third. The Spaniard also won all five of his tackles and recorded 11 recoveries. Thanks to his complete performance, Pedri won UEFA’s Man of the Match on Tuesday night.

Back to back Man of the Match Award for Pedri ✨ pic.twitter.com/BlgtXuB1l0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2025

Lamine Yamal (9/10):

Just 10 minutes in, boy wonder Lamine Yamal showed his craftiness to open up space on the right and send a brilliant cross for Raphinha to finish at the far post. In the 27th minute, he added a goal to his name. The Spaniard diagonally travelled down from near the corner flag before dispatching a curler from the edge of the box. The ball swerved just in time to nestle into the back of the net. The 17-year-old sensation also created two chances and pulled off five dribbles before his 81st-minute substitution.

Dani Olmo (6.5/10):

Dani Olmo had a mediocre second leg against Benfica. He completed two dribbles, played five es into the final third, and made 10 recoveries. Hansi Flick took him off in the 70th minute.

Raphinha (9/10):

Topping the Barcelona player ratings alongside Lamine Yamal, Raphinha was a livewire on the pitch in the UCL Last 16 second leg. His one-touch opener was full of finesse while his 42nd-minute effort struck the perfect balance between power and precision. He also created two chances, delivered three crosses, and won two fouls.

11 goals in 10 games.

Raphinha is now the top scorer in the Champions League this season ✨ pic.twitter.com/UhQzMGlVpv

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 11, 2025

Robert Lewandowski (6/10):

Outshone by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, frontman Robert Lewandowski cut a frustrating figure in the UCL Round of 16 second leg against Benfica. Lost five of eight duels and struggled to put pressure on the Benfica defence.

Substitutes:

Gavi (6/10): Returning from injury and then illness, Gavi played 20 minutes against Benfica. Had one shot and won one aerial duel.

Ferran Torres (6/10): Entered the field alongside Gavi. Recorded two shots and won three duels.

Fermin Lopez (81′), Marc Casado (81′), and Eric Garcia (87′): Did not get the time to settle in.