Barcelona's unbeaten streak in 2025 goes to 17 games now. They have scored 56 goals in those 17 games and are now through to the quarter-final of UEFA Champions League 2024025 as well.

Flick-ball has been working brilliantly for them. 

Raphinha has shown he is among the best footballers in the world at the moment and Lamine Yamal has again proved why is has been called the next Messi!

Benfica were no match for the Catalan club. Barcelona will now face either of Lyon or Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals. 

Raphinha's game by numbers vs. Benfica:

• 6 dribbles 
• 6 crosses
• 3 shots
• 2 shots on target
• 2 goals
• 2 chances created
• 1 assist 

2 minutes added as injury time.

Eric Garcia replaces Inigo Martinez.

Otamendi dives in desperation to block a shot from Gavi.

Kounde blocks the header from Amdouni from a corner. Szczęsny had it covered though. 

Araujo has been replaced by Rego.

They trap Otamendi for another offside and it looks like they are now inch closer to making it to the final eight. 

De Jong and Yamal have been replaced by Casado and Fermin Lopez.

Inigo Martinez has been solid and this time he blocked a shot from Dahl with a big leaping slide. 

Otamendi conceded a foul on Ferran. He took the free-kick and missed the target by a mile.

Belotti and Barreiro replaced Kokcu and Florentino.

Lewandowski and Dani Olmo make their way for Gavi and Ferran Torres. 

It has been passes, passes and passes from the Barcelona players and it is quite looking like a training ground routine for them. 

Lamine Yamal with an outrageous pass with the heel of the boot and Kounde's cross from the right found an outstretched De Jong going for the goal. 

But, he missed the target.

Raphinha with another solid run on the left and he played it across for Dani Olmo to find the net.

But, the ball was too long for the Spaniard. 

Amdouni and Sanches replace Schjelderup and Aktürkoğlu.

Eric García, Fermín López, Gavi, and Ferran Torres are warming up for Barcelona

Aursnes scores one for Benfica but Pavlidis was offside leading to the goal. 

Yellow card for Antonio Silva for a foul on Raphinha. 

No changes for either teams

Raphinha Dias has scored 11 goals in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25, the most of any Brazilian player for any club in a single season

Only Lionel Messi (14 goals, 5 assists in 2011-12) has more Champions League goal involvements in a single season for Barcelona than Raphinha (11 goals, 5 assists) 

3 minutes have been added as injury time.

The goal has been given finally.

Balde had a great buildup, run, and pass, and Raphinha had a clinical finish.

The referee was making sure that no one was offside. 

11 goals in 10 UCL games for Raphinha this season. 

Barcelona 3-1 Benfica (4-1 agg).

Yellow card for Otamendi for descent. He will miss the next match if they qualify.

Chance for Lewandowski to extend the lead from a close-range shot. However, he hit the ball straight to Trubin with power.

Trubin was able to make the save.

Pavlidis hit the far post but he was already offside leading to the attack.

Barcelona have been solid holding the ball and making an enormous amount of runs in the final third. 

Benfica had failed to keep the ball to themselves and win the back as well. 

At 17 years and 241 days, Lamine Yamal has become the youngest player to both score and assist in the same Champions League game, surpassing Breel Embolo's previous record for Basel against Ludogorets Razgrad in 2014 (17 years, 263 days).

One outrageous assist. One outrageous goal.

Lamine Yamal is out of this world. 💫 pic.twitter.com/QsEYbSWopf

— 90min (@90min_Football) March 11, 2025

WHAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT?

Lamine Yamal does a Lionel Messi here!

He first saved the ball from going out and then created a chance for himself to have a look at the goal and go with his left foot. 

He curls it in past a diving Trubin for one of the most stunning goals you will ever see from a 17-year-old kid.

Barccelona 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg)

On the left, again, Yamal found the space and the speed to make a quick entry in the final third. 

But, his left-footed effort missed the goal by a whisker. 

Lewandowski's pass from the edge of the box nearly gave Raphinha to make a run inside the box.

The Brazilian was nearly one-on-one against Trubin. But, Trubin came running and was just able to grab the ball before Raphinha could do any damage.

Lamine Yamal had the chance to go for the goal. But, he decided to pass it across to Lewandowski.

However, the pass was a tad long for Lewandowski. 

What a comeback from the visitors!

Schjelderup with their first corner and Otanmeding headed the ball inside the goal for the equaliser. 

Szczęsny got a hand to it. But, it was not enough to stop the goal. Otamendi is now the third-oldest scorer in a Champions League knockout game at the age of 37 years 27 days

Barcelona 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg)

Wonderful play from Lamine Yamal. 

He makes another entry to the box and with a side-of-the-boot pass finds Raphhinha. Raphinha precisely side-volleyed the ball inside the goal for their first goal. 

Barcelona 1-0 Benfica (2-0 in agg.) 

How good is Lamine Yamal!

The 17-year-old with a run on the right and then made the quick entry in the final third before giving it away to Lewandowski. 

Lewandowski could not take the chance though after a poor start.

Good save from Turbin. Balde with the left-footed shot form the close range.

But, Raphinha was already offside leading to Balde's shot. 

Schjelderup cross from the middle was intercepted by Inigo Martinez. However, the player was already offside leading up to the cross. 

Dani Olmo's pass found Pedri with lots of space. After a run through the middle, Pedri found Yamal on the right. 

But, Yamal could not find the power he was looking for and it is an easy grab for Trubin.

Cross from the right nearly found Raphinha inside the box. 

But, it was too long for him. 

Barcelona's early attack gave Pedri to go for a show from outside the box. 

His shot was blocked by the Benfica wall.

Barcelona in their red and blue start the proceedings. 

Barcelona hold a moment of silence ahead of their match vs. Benfica in honor of first-team doctor Carles Miñarro García, who died on Saturday

XI: Szczęsny, Balde, R. Araujo, I. Martinez, Pedri, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Olmo, F. De Jong, Kounde.

Subs: Gavi, Ferran, Ansu Fati, Iñaki Peña, Pablo Torre, Fermín, M. Casadó, Pau Víctor, Eric, Kochen, H. Fort, Gerard Martín.

• 08/03/25 – Benfica 3-0 CD Nacional (Liga Portugal Betclic)
• 06/03/25 – Benfica 0-1 Barcelona (UEFA Champions League)
• 27/02/25 – Benfica 1-0 Sporting Braga (Taça de Portugal)
• 22/02/25 – Benfica 3-0 Boavista (Liga Portugal Betclic)
• 19/02/25 – Benfica 3-3 AS Monaco (UEFA Champions League)
• 15/02/25 – Santa Clara 0-1 Benfica (Liga Portugal Betclic)

• 06/03/25 – Benfica 0-1 Barcelona (UEFA Champions League)
• 02/03/25 – Barcelona 4-0 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
• 26/02/25 – Barcelona 4-4 Atlético Madrid (Copa del Rey)
• 23/02/25 – Las Palmas 0-2 Barcelona (LaLiga)
• 18/02/25 – Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (LaLiga)
• 10/02/25 – Sevilla 1-4 Barcelona (LaLiga)

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website with a paid subscription. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network. 

Match: Benfica vs FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16, Second leg

Date: 11 March, 2025

Time: 11.15 pm IST

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Barcelona have done it. 

They lost one man in the 22nd minute of the match and they not only survived the game, they won the game by 1-0.

Antonio Silva's misplaced pass gave Raphinha a half-chance to score and the Brazilian made sure he hands Barcelona an advantage going into the second leg. 

Szczęsny was another hero for Barcelona with multiple saves throughout the game.

That's it from my side. Good night and see you in the second leg.

Sanches with a on-target shot from outside the box and Szczęsny dived to his left to make the save.

Yellow card for Rego for a foul on Pedri.

4 minutes added as injury time. 

Acrobatic from Rego as he wins another corner for Benfica.

Three in a row for them now.

A fully stretched Rego could not get the touch he was looking for at the far post. It goes for a corner.

Kokcu and Pavlidis are replaced by Sanches and Cabral.

Ouuuuuuu! 

Touch and go here as Belotti was pulled down by Szczęsny inside the box. 

But, the replay and VAR showed that he was already offside leading the incident. 

De Jong and Lewandowski are replaced by Martin and Casado.

Save from the Barcelona goalkeeper as he denied Aktürkoğlu with a diving save. 

Great positioning from the Barcelona captain as he intercepted another effort from Benfica. 

Yellow card for Carreras for a foul on Kounde. He will miss the next match.

Rego and Belotti replaced Schjelderup and Barreiro..

Barcelona defenders are celebrating every win inside the box. Aktürkoğlu handed the ball and Barcelona won a free-kick as they negotiated with another danger. 

Save from Szczęsny as Aursnes tried to send the ball between the defenders from inside the box. 

Easy save from Szczęsny.

What a beautiful goal from Raphinha

This is the beauty of pressing your opponent.pic.twitter.com/ge4Leadj5m

— 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐠𝐅𝐜𝐛™🇦🇺 (@PlutoVibez_) March 5, 2025

RAAAAAPHHHHIIIINNNNHHHAAAAAAAAAA!

What a strike! 

A mistake from Antonio Silva gave a half-chance to the Brazilian who made them pay with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.

9 goals in 9 UCL games for Raphinha this season. 

Barcelona take the lead. 

Time to time, Barcelona have tried to break free from the flanks. 

This time Kounde made a good run to get to the ball and then win the corner. 

Tomas Araujo is replaced by Dahl.

Yamal is replaced by Ferran Torres. 

Carreras blocks Yamal's shot from the left of the box. 

He keeps on making those saves. 

This time he denies Aursnes from close range.  

Huge chance and their best so far in the second half. Pavlidis misses an easy chance from a close range. Schjelderup with the cutback for the Greek star.

He sent the ball over the goal.

10 men, 45 minutes, one objective: fight. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/9AEOsaLcNu

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 5, 2025

Attack from Benfica. They have been looking to find a space in the final third. 

After getting blocked twice, Kokcu went for a shot from outside the box, which went wide. 

Eventful first-half. 

Four yellow cards, many saves and a direct red-card but no goals. 

INTERESTING. 

Huge chance for Barcelona as Pedri's cheeky pass found Raphinha on the run. 

But, his final cross could not find Yamal as Carreras made the interception. 

Yellow card for António Silva for a foul on Balde.

Yellow card for Ronald Araújo for descent. 

Yellow card for Barreiro for a foul on Inigo Martinez. 

5 minutes added to the half-time. 

Huge save from Szczęsny. He denies Kerem Aktürkoğlu from a close range. 

Important interception from Antonio Silva as Raphinha's attempted cutback could have been threatening for them.

Under the smoke from the fireworks the play continues. 

Benfica are on the attack but Barcelona, with 10 men have shown composure. 

The play has been paused due to fireworks. 

Barcelona broke through Raphinha making a run on the left. However, his attempted cross from the left was blocked by Tomás Araújo. 

Corner for Barcelona. 

Defensively Barcelona have not looked at their best tonight. 

Benfica are putting more and more pressure on them. 

Free-kicks and corners for Benfica but they have not found any way yet though. 

Dani Olmo has been replaced by Ronald Araujo. 

Kökçü's on-target free-kick was saved by Szczęsny.

Direct red card for Pau Cubarsi. Pavlidis was running away with the ball and Cubarsi came running from behind to make the tackle. 

He does not get anything on the ball and gets a lot of Pavlidis. 

VAR is going on. 

VAR agrees with the referee and Cubarsi is off. 

PAU CUBARSÍ RECEIVES A DIRECT RED CARD 20 MINUTES INTO THE MATCH FOR THIS TACKLE ON PAVLEDIS 😳

BARCELONA ARE DOWN TO 10 MEN VS. BENFICA 👀 pic.twitter.com/9LEk5qehNI

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 5, 2025

Benfica again took advantage of the high-line maintained by Barcelona and broke through the defence easily. 

This time Pavlidis made an entry to the final and after a cutback went for the goal with a left-footed shot. 

His shot was wide though.

Benfica were quick to break and this gave Schjelderup a chance to side-foot the ball. 

However, his effort was saved by Szczęsny.

Ohhhh my god! 

Olmo, Yamal and Lewandowski - all were denied by Trubin in a single play.

Raphinha's cross gave Olmo the chance to shoot, the rebound shot from Yamal was also saved.

Lewandowski tried to head the ball inside, which was grabbed by Trubin at the end.

Raphinha switched his side to the right and he passed the ball to Kounde to make the run inside the box.

Kounde went too far and he had a tough angle to beat Trubin. Eventually, it was an easy grab for Trubin.

Barcelona now have got to the tune of the match with many final third entries and one corner for them as well.

Benfica have struggled to get the ball back from the visitors. 

Just like the last game between these two clubs, we're watching high-line from Barcelona and Benfica, just like past, looking to press high.

Raphinha and Lewandowski's build-up gave Dani Olmo to have a go at the goal. 

But, he sent it wide. 

Szczęsny makes an important save. Kerem Aktürkoğlu nearly gave Benfica the perfect start. 

We are underway in Lisbon.

Barcelona start the proceedings.

The meaning of 'go out there and have fun' pic.twitter.com/w36uKHy9hg

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 5, 2025

🌡 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺-𝘂𝗽 🔥#SLBFCB • #UCL pic.twitter.com/xdiIbOzWCm

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) March 5, 2025

Starting XI: Trubin, Carreras, António Silva, Aursnes, Orkun Kökçü, Pavlidis, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Barreiro, Schjelderup, Otamendi (c), Tomás Araújo.

Subs: Samuel Soares, Cabral, Belotti, Prestianni, Dahl, Nuno Félix, Leandro Santos, Hugo Félix, A. Bajrami, João Rego, Renato Sanches, Diogo Prioste.

XI: Szczęsny, Cubarsí, Balde, Iñigo Martínez, Pedri, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Yamal, Olmo, F. de Jong (c), Koundé.

Subs: Iñaki Peña, Kochen, Ronald Araújo, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, Pablo Torre, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Pau Víctor, Eric García, Héctor Fort, Gerard Martín.

• 27/02/25 – Benfica 1-0 Sporting Braga (Taça de Portugal)
• 22/02/25 – Benfica 3-0 Boavista (Liga Portugal Betclic)
• 19/02/25 – Benfica 3-3 AS Monaco (UEFA Champions League)
• 15/02/25 – Santa Clara 0-1 Benfica (Liga Portugal Betclic)
• 13/02/25 – AS Monaco 0-1 Benfica (UEFA Champions League)
• 08/02/25 – Benfica 3-2 Moreirense (Liga Portugal Betclic)

• 02/03/25 – Barcelona 4-0 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
• 26/02/25 – Barcelona 4-4 Atlético Madrid (Copa del Rey)
• 23/02/25 – Las Palmas 0-2 Barcelona (LaLiga)
• 18/02/25 – Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (LaLiga)
• 10/02/25 – Sevilla 1-4 Barcelona (LaLiga)
• 07/02/25 – Valencia 0-5 Barcelona (Copa del Rey)
• 02/02/25 – Barcelona 1-0 Deportivo Alavés (LaLiga)
• 30/01/25 – Barcelona 2-2 Atalanta (UEFA Champions League)

• 31 May 1961 – Benfica 3-2 Barcelona (1960/61 European Cup Final)
• 20 March 1992 – Barcelona 2-1 Benfica (1991/92 European Cup Group Stage)
• 27 September 2005 – Benfica 0-0 Barcelona (2005/06 Champions League Quarter-finals)
• 5 April 2006 – Barcelona 2-0 Benfica (2005/06 Champions League Quarter-finals)
• 2 October 2012 – Benfica 0-2 Barcelona (2012/13 Champions League Group Stage)
• 5 December 2012 – Barcelona 0-0 Benfica (2012/13 Champions League Group Stage)
• 29 September 2021 – Benfica 3-0 Barcelona (2021/22 Champions League Group Stage)
• 23 November 2021 – Barcelona 0-0 Benfica (2021/22 Champions League Group Stage)
• 22 January 2025 – Benfica 4-5 Barcelona (2024/25 Champions League League Phase)

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website with a paid subscription. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network. 

What a crazy game it was! If you are neutral that was a near perfect game for you. 

Atletico Madrid score two early goals and Barcelona replied with three before the halftime. With 15 minutes to go in the game Lewandowski came and made it for two for Barcelona.

But to let goals from Atletico Madrid helped them level things up for the second leg. 

Barcelona would be really disappointed to not going with the advantage there. 

So, that was it from my end. Good night if you are reading from outside India. Good morning, if you are from India. 

See you in the second leg.

Nos vemos en casa. 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/5udRNCx4h8

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 25, 2025

Just like last December, Sorloth scores the equaliser. 

Lino made a quick run after a overlapping ball from the middle. 

A check was made to determine if Lino was offside or not.

The goal stayed. 

Barcelona 4-4 ATM

SORLOTH LO HACE DE NUEVO 😂😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/DndeW6NPqY

— REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) February 25, 2025

Two kids have invaded the field.

Yellow card for Sorloth. 

4 minutes added to the final half. 

One-on-one chance for Correa. But, he decided to shoot straight to Szczęsny. Huge chance!

That was not great. Yellow card for Barrios for a foul on Balde. 

Fermin and Eric replaced Raphinha and Pedri. 

Correa's perfect cutback landed on to the feet of Llorente, whose right-footed powerful shot went straight in after getting a deflection from Gavi.

Barcelona 4-3 Atletico. 

Ouuuu.. Barca brought out one from the training ground as a short free-kick nearly resulted in a goal for them. 

Eventually it was an easy grab for Musso.

Yellow card for Giminez for a foul on Pedri.

I am inevitable. pic.twitter.com/pMsax9rV8k

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025

The youngster has been perfect tonight, covering balls, winning duels. 

Perfect long cross from Raphinha and Lewandowski, tussling against Reinildo, could not be on-target.

Lamine Yamal is special. 

He dribbles through the defenders and hands Lewandowski a tap in to score. 

Barcelona 4-2 Atletico. 

Quelle passe de Lamine pour Lewandowski !! 😍🤩

Futur ballon d'or... 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ONebHQtswt

— Actu Yamal (@ActuYamal19) February 25, 2025

The young mid-fielder has been exceptional creating the chances, making the runs and this time wins the ball back from Correa.

Goal from Sorloth. But Llorente was offside leading to the goal. 

Yellow card for Atletico coach Simione.

Lewandowski and Gavi replaced Ferran and Dani Olmo.

De Paul is replaced by Sorloth. 

Correa replaces Griezmann.

Szczęsny woows the crowd after making a bold move to beat Alvarez inside the box.

He fist pumps the air as the young defender made lots of ground to nullify the attack from Atletico. 

Barca fans chants, "Baallldeee...Ballldeeee"

Molina replaces Gallagher.

Terrific pass from Pedri to find Ferran inside the box. 

But, it was too tight for Ferran to get the goal. Musso blocks out the shot.

Barcelona players appeal for penalty as Yamal was brought down inside the box by Lino.

Raphinha's effort from the left, inside the box is blocked by Giminez. 

Reinildo and Lino replace Galán and Simeone.

What a chance! 

Griezmann again had the chance score the equalizer there. 

Szczęsny made the save but looks like Griezmann was offside leading to the attack. 

Raphinha's quick cross from left was perfect for Pedri to head the ball inside the goal. 

But, he was not able to get a connection there. 

With the highline Barcelona are keeping, Griezmann had the chance to enter the box with a quick run. 

But, his attempted cross was blocked by Cubarsi.

Barcelona start the second half. 

What an exciting first half it has been! 

Atletico Madrid scored two early goals and Barcelona as we all knew replied with goals. 

It started with Pedri and then Cubarsi scored and at the end it was Indio Martinez who gave Barcelona the lead.

☹️ 0-1
😔 0-2
😮 1-2
😳 2-2
🤯 3-2 pic.twitter.com/0AnSa7Ygvl

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025

This time it is Dani Olmo who makes an effort from left. 

Musso got down quickly to make the save. 

Lamine Yamal nearly does a Messi there. He cuts Galan into halves before making an effort with left foot. 

A good height for Musso to make the save though. 

5 minutes have been added to the first half as injury time. 

Balde goes for the goal with a right-footed shot. He missed the target by a distance. 

Barcelona take the lead. 

Raphinha with another corner. Inigo came running from behind and he was not marked there. 

He just had to head the ball inside the goal. 

Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid. 

Yamal nutmegs Galan and tells the Barcelona fans to chant more. 

🎥 Lamine Yamal is incredible

pic.twitter.com/l9CfGeeHhI

— Barça Spaces (@BarcaSpaces) February 25, 2025

As we have seen throughout the season, despite conceding goals, Barcelona have kept the line high and this allows Atletico to make a run whenever they have the chance. 

Yamal and Kounde have been solid as a pair as they continue to create attacks from the right side. 

Giuliano Simeone falls on his hand and it allows Ateltico to have a breather. 

Let off for Barcelona. Ferran Torres with another chance. Again, one-on-one with the goalkeeper. But, he could not get the connection he was looking for. 

Rodrigo de Paul gets a caution from the referee. Not for a foul but for descent. 

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid has been absolute cinema 🔥🎥🇪🇸

⏱️ 1' Barca 0-1 Atleti
⏱️ 6' Barca 0-2 Atleti
⏱️ 20' Barca 1-2 Atleti
⏱️ 21' Barca 2-2 Atleti pic.twitter.com/SYObYfz2Rs

— LiveScore (@livescore) February 25, 2025

Barcelona have been pouring attacks and Atletico have not been able to get the ball down to the other end. 

Simeone says calm down and wants his defenders to take better decisions. 

Game on! 

Barcelona are level. Raphinha's inswinging corner and Cubarsi won the physical battle at the far post to get the header. 

Barcelona 2-2 Atletico de Madrid. 

Lamine Yamal with a outside of the boot pass for Kounde to make a run inside the final third. Kounde's cutback found Pedri in the middle, who found the net easily.

Barcelona 1-2 Atletico. 

Yellow card for Galan for a foul on Lamine Yamal. 

What a chance! He should have scored there. 

Raphinha found him onside with a flick. Ferran had Musso one-on-one but only managed to hit the ball straight to him. 

Musso after a half stop, was able to grab the ball. 

The experienced French striker knows how to stop attacks as well. He fouls the Spaniard to stop Barcelona's attack.

⚪️🔴🕷️ Julián Álvarez scores his 20th goal of the season since joining Atlético Madrid from Manchester City.

Goal after 1 minute vs Barça. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/85kp5lY2t0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 25, 2025

Griezmann doubles up the lead. Kounde with an mistake in the middle which allowed Atletico with a counter-attack. 

Griezmann did well their to beat Balde first and then Szczęsny. Szczęsny made a half save, but could not stop that form going inside the goal.

Barcelona 0-2 Atletico.

Short corner from Griezmann and his cross towards the far post gave Alvarez the chance to convert that into a goal. 

Great start for the visitors. 

Before even we could start everything, Alvarez's header was on target. But, he was offside on replay. 

Atletico starts things off! They are in their sky-blue kit. Barcelona are in their home kit.

Sabe cosas. pic.twitter.com/M1SGvgCJ1f

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 25, 2025

Lamine Yamal.

Who else? pic.twitter.com/e5Fd853KQE

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid faced each other twice in the semi-final of Copa del Rey. In the 1992-93 season, Barcelona won by a huge margin of 11-0 while in 1997, they won by 5-4.

Lineup: J. Musso, M. Llorente, J. M. Giménez, C. Lenglet, J. Galán, G. Simeone, R. de Paul, P. Barrios, J. Alvarez, C. Gallagher.

Subs: Jan Oblak, Antonio Gomis, Axel Witsel, Reinildo Mandava, Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Thomas Lemar, Rodrigo Riquelme, Samuel Lino, Ángel Correa, Alexander Sørloth.

Lineup: Szczęsny, Cubarsí, Balde, I. Martínez, Ferran, Pedri, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Olmo, F. De Jong, Kounde.

Subs: R. Araujo, Gavi, Lewandowski, Iñaki Peña, Fermín, M. Casadó, Pau Víctor, Eric, Kochen, H. Fort, Gerard Martín.

Atletico Madrid managed a shocking away win over FC Barcelona in 18 years when these two teams met each other last time. Though Barcelona dominated the game mostly, it was the late goal from Alexander Sorloth that helped Atletico win by 2-1 in the end. 

Football fans from India can watch the match on the FanCode app and website with a paid subscription. Unfortunately, there is no TV streaming for the match.

Match: FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Tournament: Copa del Rey 2024-25, semi-final, 1st leg

Date: 26 February, 2 am IST

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

It was not the way they would have loved, but important three points for Barcelona to get back to the top of the table. A few controversial decisions from the referee as well. 

Catch the highlights of the match from the LIVE blog. 

That's it from my side tonight. Thank you and Good night. 

It was not easy for Barcelona. But, they have been able to get the three points they were looking for. Penalty from Lewandowski proved to be the difference maker. 

A controversial goal was disallowed for Rayo Vallecano. A few chances were not taken by them as well. 

Barcelona are not top of the table to with 51 points a better goal difference than Real Madrid. 

Pedri wins the player of the match. 

𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐀 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐀 🔝

After a hard-fought 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona climbed back to the top of the points table with 51 points and better goal difference than Real Madrid. #BarcaRayo #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/M7shxsbjGQ

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) February 17, 2025

Yellow card for Ferran Torres. 

Possibly their last chance to score. No harm was done for Barcelona. 

Lamine Yamal made a full mess of Chavarría inside the box. Yamal went down but no penalty was given. 

5 minutes added as injury time. 

Embarba with an inch perfect cross but Frtuos could not connect the header properly. 

Casado in. De Jong out. 

Guardiola in. Alvaro Garcia out. 

Kounde is down after a tackle from Embarba. The referee allowed the play to go on. Yellow card for him though. 

Eric Garcia had to come running from behind and take the ball away from Frtuos, who was nearing a shooting zone. 

Yamal's cross was too high for Raphinha to control his header. Eventually it was an easy grab for Batalla.

Ferran Torres in Lewandowski out.

Cubarsi out Eric.

Kounde's cutback from right gave Olmo the chance to shoot or enter the box. However, after a heavy first touch, he lost the ball. 

Lewandowski's close range shot is blocked by Rațiu. 

However he could not get the connection he was looking for with the bi-cycle kick. Easy grab for Szczęsny.

PEDRINHO...

Insane close control. 😳#LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/Ah6LWlJaj0

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) February 17, 2025

Iso out Terjo in. 

Oscar in Ciss out. 

Dani Olmo with a long run and then a through ball for Raphinha to enter the box. Batalla, came out running and closed the space out to negate the chance. 

Top class save from Batalla. He first tackled Dani Olmo and then the ball went to Raphinha, whose close range shot as saved by the goalkeeper. 

Vallecano players have been close enough to each Barcelona players so they are not allowed any space to enter the final third. Barcelona enjoying possession though. 

Good cross from the right by Garcia and Frutos this time was on-side and on-target. But, after a partial save, Szczęsny was able to get a full hold on the ball. 

Frutos could not make full use of the cross from Rațiu. 

Danil Olmo and Kounde coming in for Barcelona. Fort and Gavi went out.

Gumbau and Embarba replaced Diaz and Nteka.

Brilliant from Hector Fort to find Yamal with a back heel. Yamal's shot was blocked by Mumin. 

This time Pedri's cutback from the right was a bit timid and weak. And, it went straight to the defensive wall of Rayo. 

Raphinha's cross from left was too long for anyone from Barcelona to meet on the right. 

🎱🎱
🎱🎱 pic.twitter.com/ekX2YET6bj

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2025

Fantastic move from Pedri. He outfoxed the defender with a quick turn and with a cutback found Lewandowski at the middle of the box. 

However, Lewandowski missed the target with a right footed effort. 

A long cross from left found Yamal at the edge of the box. But, he tried to outfox the defender with a header. At the end, it was easy save from Batalla

Kounde was benched due to an internal reason. He was seen warming up along with four other players for Barcelona. 

Early trouble for Barcelona as a Rayo Vallecano cross nearly have Nteka a chance to score. Inigo was there to intercept though. 

No changes from either teams at the start of the second half. 

Barcelona head to the tunnel with a 1-0 lead at the half-time. Robert Lewandowski with the goal for them from a the penalty sport.

Rayo Vallecano had a few chances at the end the of the first half. A goal was disallowed as well. 

We are certainly up for a good 45 minutes in the second half. Stay tuned. 

Inigo Martinez with a goal line clearance as Garcia's cross was nearly deflected inside the goal from De Jong. 

Yellow card for Gavi for a foul on Palazón.

3 minutes have been added as injury time. 

Nteka is offside there and Rayo Vallecano's goal is denied. 

Garica with a good run on the left and his cross had given Rayo players with a chance to shoot from close range. But, no one took that change. 

Yellow card for Ratiu for pulling down Lewandowski's shirt. 

Huge save from Szczęsny as Diaz's cross gave Nteka a chance to go side footed from middle of the box. 

Szczęsny made the save diving to his left. 

 Chavarría's cutback and then a cross had given Frutos with a chance to score with a volley. 

Ratiu's cross from the right was partially saved by Szczęsny as he got a finger tip to it. 

🚨🇪🇸 GOAL | Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano | Lewandowski

LEWANDOWSKI OPENS THE SCORING FOR BARCELONA! pic.twitter.com/go6vKakUZH

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) February 17, 2025

Lamine Yamal with a huge chance to score from the close range. But, his left-footed effort was saved by Batalla. 

Robert Lewandowski had sent Batalla the wrong way. The ball hit the post went inside the goal. 

Goal No. 20 for Lewandowski this season in La Liga. 

Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano. 

Penalty given to Barcelona and yellow card to Ciss. 

A VAR check is going on for a possible penalty for Barcelona. 

Successive corners for Barcelona. Inigo meantime appealed for a penalty as he was pulled down by Ciss. 

Pedri with a delicious pass for Raphinha. The Brazilian went inside the box but his effort from close range was saved by Batalla. 

The rebound ball luckily went back to him.

Chance for Barcelona. Balde's cutback for Raphinha was not received well and as the Brazilian went for the far post, he went off-target. 

Barcelona fans chants Pedri, Pedri as the Spaniard came running from behind to win the ball back from  Frutos.

Although Barcelona have enjoyed the possession of the ball, Vallecano have not allowed them run away with anything so far. 

They have hold their position and shape to go toe-to-toe with Barcelona. 

Nteka wins a free-kick after Inigo fouled him in the middle of the field. 

Lewandowski's through ball for Raphinha was in a dangerous position. But, after a poor first touch, Raphinha lost the chance. 

First corner of the game for the visitors as Balde deflected the cross from Díaz.

Lamine Yamal's shot from the edge of the box is blocked by Mumin. 

Raphinha and Yamal had switched their sides and Balde played a cut back to Inigo, whose scoop was away over the head of Lewandowski, who was waiting in the middle. 

Flick had already stated that since both the teams are high pressing, anything can happen in this kind of matches. 

Barcelona have already trapped Rayo Vallecano offside thrice in 10 minutes. 

Blade kept on running with the ball and went inside the Rayo box as well. However, a final intervention kept the ball away from danger. 

Raphinha's had a chance with a header but could not get the connection he was looking for.

 Chavarría pulled the shirt of Lamine and it is a free-kick for the Catalan club. 

Martinez sent a pass to Balde for him to make a run on the right and then his cross for Lewandowski was perfect from the byline. 

But, Lewandowski could hit the back of the net with his header. 

Barcelona won the ball quickly and tried to send a long pass for Lamine Yamal to make a run. However, the ball was too long. 

Here we go! Rayo Vallecano starts things  off!

We are done with the formalities and ready to start.

Players of both teams are coming out of the tunnel.

Warmups are done and players will come out of the tunnel very soon.

Final touches before greatness. ✍️ #BarçaRayo pic.twitter.com/D1Yy1CcuQE

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2025

Samuel Eto'o's 22-year-old son, Etienne, is on Rayo Vallecano's bench against Barcelona.

The forward was signed by Rayo in July, scored on his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey in October, but has yet to make his LALIGA debut.

He could do it against the club where his father… pic.twitter.com/BWd0UvoL7i

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 17, 2025

🚨⚠️ Hansi Flick: “Jules Koundé has been benched as it’s an internal decision”.

Koundé arrived late at technical meeting with the staff and teammates, reports @HelenaCondis. pic.twitter.com/8255Uek4hq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2025

Walking in like we own it. 🏟️ #BarçaRayo pic.twitter.com/2oMNcByGHR

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2025

Starting XI: A. Batalla, A. Rațiu, F. Lejeune, A. Mumin, J. Chavarría, I. Ciss, P. Díaz, J. de Frutos, I. Palazón, Á. García, R.

Subs: Dani Cárdenas, Iván Balliu, Alfonso Espino, Pelayo Fernández, Marco de las Sias, Aridane Hernández, Óscar Trejo, Adrián Embarba, Gerard Gumbau, Óscar Valentín, Sergi Guardiola, Etienne Eto'o Pineda.

Starting XI: Szczęsny, Cubarsí, Balde, I. Martínez, Gavi, Pedri, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, F. De Jong, H. Fort

Subs: Iñaki Peña, Diego Kochen, Eric García, Ronald Araújo, Gerard Martín, Jules Koundé, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Pablo Torre, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, Pau Víctor

1. 🗓️ 08 Feb 2025

   • 🏟️ Venue: Home vs Real Valladolid
   • 🏆 Competition: La Liga
   • 🔹 Result: Rayo Vallecano won 1-0
   • 📊 Outcome: W

2. 🗓️ 01 Feb 2025

   • 🏟️ Venue: Away vs Leganés
   • 🏆 Competition: La Liga
   • 🔹 Result: Rayo Vallecano won 1-0
   • 📊 Outcome: W

3. 🗓️ 26 Jan 2025

   • 🏟️ Venue: Home vs Girona FC
   • 🏆 Competition: La Liga
   • 🔹 Result: Rayo Vallecano won 2-1
   • 📊 Outcome: W

4. 🗓️ 19 Jan 2025

   • 🏟️ Venue: Away vs Osasuna
   • 🏆 Competition: Copa del Rey
   • 🔹 Result: Draw 1-1
   • 📊 Outcome: D

5. 🗓️ 17 Jan 2025

   • 🏟️ Venue: Away vs Real Sociedad
   • 🏆 Competition: Copa del Rey
   • 🔹 Result: Rayo Vallecano lost 1-3
   • 📊 Outcome: L

6. 🗓️ 11 Jan 2025

   • 🏟️ Venue: Home vs Celta Vigo
   • 🏆 Competition: La Liga
   • 🔹 Result: Rayo Vallecano won 2-1
   • 📊 Outcome: W

7. 🗓️ 03 Jan 2025

   • 🏟️ Venue: Away vs Racing de Ferrol
   • 🏆 Competition: Copa del Rey
   • 🔹 Result: Rayo Vallecano won 3-1
   • 📊 Outcome: W

• 🗓️ 10 Feb 2025

  • 🏟️ Venue: Away vs Sevilla
  • 🏆 Competition: Copa del Rey
  • 🔹 Result: Barcelona won 4-1
  • 📊 Outcome: W

• 🗓️ 07 Feb 2025

  • 🏟️ Venue: Away vs Valencia
  • 🏆 Competition: La Liga
  • 🔹 Result: Barcelona won 5-0
  • 📊 Outcome: W

• 🗓️ 02 Feb 2025

  • 🏟️ Venue: Home vs Deportivo Alavés
  • 🏆 Competition: UEFA Champions League
  • 🔹 Result: Barcelona won 1-0
  • 📊 Outcome: W

• 🗓️ 30 Jan 2025

  • 🏟️ Venue: Home vs Atalanta
  • 🏆 Competition: La Liga
  • 🔹 Result: Draw 2-2
  • 📊 Outcome: D

• 🗓️ 27 Jan 2025

  • 🏟️ Venue: Home vs Valencia
  • 🏆 Competition: UEFA Champions League
  • 🔹 Result: Barcelona won 7-1
  • 📊 Outcome: W

• 🗓️ 22 Jan 2025

  • 🏟️ Venue: Away vs Benfica
  • 🏆 Competition: UEFA Champions League
  • 🔹 Result: Barcelona won 5-4
  • 📊 Outcome: W

1. 🗓️ 28 Aug 2024

   • 🏟️ Venue: Rayo Vallecano (Away for Barcelona)
   • 🔹 Result: Barcelona won 2-1

2. 🗓️ 19 May 2024

   • 🏟️ Venue: Barcelona (Home)
   • 🔹 Result: Barcelona won 3-0

3. 🗓️ 25 Nov 2023

   • 🏟️ Venue: Rayo Vallecano (Away for Barcelona)
   • 🔹 Result: Draw 1-1

4. 🗓️ 27 Apr 2023

   • 🏟️ Venue: Rayo Vallecano (Away for Barcelona)
   • 🔹 Result: Rayo Vallecano won 2-1

5. 🗓️ 14 Aug 2022

   • 🏟️ Venue: Barcelona (Home)
   • 🔹 Result: Draw 0-0

6. 🗓️ 25 Apr 2022

   • 🏟️ Venue: Barcelona (Home)
   • 🔹 Result: Rayo Vallecano won 1-0

Key Observations:

• In the last 6 encounters, Barcelona has won 2, Rayo Vallecano has won 2, and 2 matches ended in a draw.
• Rayo Vallecano has been a tricky opponent for Barcelona, managing 2 wins at the Camp Nou.
• Barcelona showed improved form in the most recent meetings, remaining unbeaten in 3 consecutive games.
• Low-scoring games have been common, with 4 out of 6 matches having 2 or fewer goals.

Football fans from India can watch the FC Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano match LIVE on GXR app for free. Unfortunately there are no TV broadcasters for the above match. 

Match: FC Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano

Tournament: La Liga 2024-25

Date: 18 February 2025

Time: 1.30 am IST

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys