Raphinha scored in stoppage time to lead Barcelona to a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over Benfica in one of the most chaotic matches in Champions League history.

The Brazilian’s goal in the sixth added minute came as Benfica protested for a late penalty on the opposite end. Raphinha’s shot past Anatoliy Trubin shocked the home crowd and ignited wild celebrations, securing Hansi Flick’s team a spot in the last 16.

VAR dismissed Benfica’s penalty claims, and the final whistle followed immediately, wrapping up this dramatic encounter.

Benfica started strong with Vangelis Pavlidis scoring from close range, but Robert Lewandowski equalized with a penalty after Tomas Araujo fouled Alejandro Balde.

Raphinha’s decisive strike capped a night of turmoil for Benfica, who watched their lead evaporate in the final moments of the match.

The chaos intensified as Wojciech Szczesny, Barcelona’s goalkeeper who came out of retirement due to injuries, made critical errors that allowed Benfica to take a two-goal lead. He collided with teammate Balde, paving the way for Pavlidis to score into an empty net. Pavlidis later completed his hat-trick from the spot after Szczesny fouled Kerem Akturkoglu.

In the second half, Barcelona found a lifeline thanks to another goalkeeping blunder, this time from Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin, who inadvertently directed a clearance off Raphinha’s head and into the net.

Benfica restored their two-goal advantage shortly after with a cross from Andreas Schjelderup that was deflected into the net by Ronald Araujo, putting Barcelona in a tough spot.

However, Lewandowski converted his second penalty of the night, despite Benfica’s protests, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. Eric Garcia equalized with a header in the 86th minute, and shortly after, Raphinha struck the winner, sending tempers flaring as Benfica protested for another penalty.

After the match, Raphinha expressed his frustration over insults from Benfica players, stating, “If they respect me, I respect them. They preferred to insult me.”

Benfica’s manager, Bruno Lage, was seen criticizing his players for squandering a two-goal lead twice during the match. He reflected on the disappointment, saying, “Huge frustration at the result. Huge pride in the display and the support of the Benfica family from start to finish.”

The result keeps Barcelona second in the Champions League table, three points behind Liverpool, while Benfica sits 18th but remains positioned to secure a playoff spot.