The 17-year-old once again underlined his world-class credentials with a superb performance in Catalunya to secure a quarter-final berth
Lamine Yamal was the star of the show while Raphinha maintained his superb recent form with two goals as Barcelona cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 3-1 second-leg win over Benfica.
Barca held a 1-0 aggregate lead going into Tuesday's second leg, and had that doubled within 10 minutes, as Raphinha finished Yamal's cross-cum-shot at the back post. But within a minute, Benfica were level through Nicolas Otamendi, his header squirming through Wojciech Szczesny's hands.
Yamal was not to be denied, however, and he scored a truly sensational goal to restore Barca's lead on the night, cutting in off the right, beating his man, and floating the ball into the top corner. Raphinha then added a third before half-time, driving low into the bottom corner after Alejandro Balde's brilliant surging run from deep.
Barca should have added a fourth after the hour, as a beautiful flowing move led to Jules Kounde crossing across the box, but Frenkie de Jong could only send the ball wide.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys…
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Wojciech Szczesny (6/10):
Terrible goalkeeping as he let Otamendi's header squirm through. Not really troubled thereafter and regained a measure of control over his area.
Jules Kounde (8/10):
Inverted throughout and caused Benfica all sorts of problems as he dovetailed well with Yamal. Never stretched in defence.
Ronald Araujo (7/10):
Good on the ball and in the air. A fine performance, though he was barely tested after Otamendi's goal.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Nowhere near Otamendi when he scored, but played well otherwise as he marshalled the backline, even if he was a little loose in possession.
Alejandro Balde (8/10):
So energetic down the left, constantly looking to drive, and gave Raphinha a beautiful assist with a surging run from deep.
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Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Missed a sitter in the second half but was superb on the ball and drove forward when he could.
Dani Olmo (7/10):
Silky feet throughout and was constantly able to find pockets of space. His influence grew as the game went on before being subbed on 70 minutes.
Pedri (9/10):
Glided through midfield, hurdling challenges and keeping Barca ticking. Pulled off multiple key passes, and tricks and flicks, as well as a number of tackles to regain possession. The complete midfield performance; just a goal was missing.
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Lamine Yamal (10/10):
It was either a glorious assist or a miscued shot that found Raphinha, but either way, the run that preceded it was sensational. His goal was even better, cutting in off the flank and curling a truly outrageous effort into the top corner. Benfica couldn't deal with him; on this form, few sides can.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10):
Held the ball up very well and carved out a few chances but couldn't hit the net. Replaced on 70 minutes with the game all but won.
Raphinha (9/10):
Great finish to convert Yamal's assist, whether it was a cross or a shot, and another to power home Balde's cute pass. Another example of how he has become one of Barca's best players.
AFPSubs & Manager
Gavi (6/10):
On for Olmo with 20 minutes to go and slotted into midfield.
Ferran Torres (6/10):
On for Lewandowski. Didn't really get a chance to go at Benfica.
Marc Casado (N/A):
On for De Jong as Barca saw the game out.
Fermin Lopez (N/A):
Replaced Yamal late.
Eric Garcia (N/A):
Came on for Martinez with three minutes left.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
Barcelona purred their way through this last-16 second leg, dominating the ball, territory, and everything else. Yamal was sensational, and Flick was also able to rotate some of his top stars late on. Basically the perfect evening.
