Barcelona Edges Benfica in Champions League Round of 16, Advancing to Quarterfinals After Szczesny's Key Saves

Barcelona secured their place in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after a hard-fought victory against Benfica. The first leg saw Barcelona clinch a narrow 1-0 win in Lisbon, courtesy of Raphinha's goal. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny played a pivotal role in preserving the lead, making crucial saves that proved decisive. Despite Benfica's strong performance and their previous four-goal showing against Barcelona in the league phase, they were unable to overcome the Catalans. Barcelona's defense, led by Szczesny, remained resolute, denying Benfica's attempts to level the aggregate score. The victory extends Barcelona's unbeaten streak against Benfica in European competition to 10 games. They have never lost to Benfica on home soil, a record that remains intact after this crucial match. Barcelona now advances to face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarterfinals.