The penultimate matchday had probably the most spectacular and craziest game of the group phase in the Champions League up its sleeve. And after that, FC Barcelona celebrated at Benfica Lisbon.
Coach Hansi Flick’s team won 5:4 (1:3) in the end – and that after a very crazy game. Vangelis Pavlidis gave the hosts the lead in the second minute. Robert Lewandowski was then able to equalize with a penalty (13th), but Barca were completely beside themselves and conceded two more goals from Pavlidis before the break (22nd/30th, penalty).
Four goals, two penalties – but the second half had even more to offer. Raphinha shortened the score in the 64th minute, and a little later there was the next blow in the neck for the Catalans with Ronald Araujo’s own goal (68th) – but then came the great comeback. Lewandowski also converted the third penalty of the evening (78th), then Eric Garcia scored the celebrated equalizer (86th), before Raphinha provided the crowning glory from Barca’s point of view with his second goal (90th + 6th).
Barca can still catch Liverpool FC now
The game ended with Lisbon’s Arthur Cabral being sent off (90+8), after which Flick and Co. were allowed to raise their arms in the air. Because this victory also had far-reaching consequences. This means that Barcelona are safely in the round of 16 and can no longer be pushed out of the top 8. The team also prevented Liverpool from being declared winners of the Champions League group stage before the last matchday.
The “Reds” extended their perfect record with their seventh win in their seventh game, winning against OSC Lille 2-1 (1-0). Mohamed Salah gave Liverpool the lead (34′), but after Aissa Mandi was sent off (59′), coach Arne Slot’s team made things surprisingly exciting. Jonathan David equalized in the 62nd minute, but Harvey Elliott brought joy to Anfield in the 67th minute.
Juve misses the chance, Atalanta takes advantage
Juventus Turin, on the other hand, had less reason to be happy, as they couldn’t get beyond a 0-0 draw at FC Brugge and missed a great opportunity to secure a good starting position for reaching the round of 16. The Italian record champions will most likely reach the intermediate round, but it probably won’t be enough for the top 8.
It’s different with Atalanta Bergamo, last season’s Europa League champions have the round of 16 in their own hands after a 5-0 (1-0) win against Sturm Graz. The Italians are currently in fourth place with 14 points, but have to go to Barcelona on the last day of the match – but their hope could be that the Flick team will no longer give 100 percent given the certainty of the round of 16.
Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui celebrates after scoring a goal
With a win against direct rivals Aston Villa, AS Monaco has almost certainly secured the second round and now has a good chance of reaching the top 8. Wilfried Singo scored the decisive goal for the team from the former Bundesliga in the eighth minute -Coach Adi Hütter. PSV Eindhoven also has the best chance of reaching the second round after a 3-2 (3-0) win at Red Star Belgrade.