Sports Desk:

Barcelona and Liverpool secured thrilling Champions League Round of 16 spots with dramatic victories, as Raphinha’s late heroics sealed Barcelona’s 5-4 win over Benfica, while Mohamed Salah’s milestone goal led Liverpool to a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Lille.

The UEFA Champions League returned in style as footballing powerhouses like Barcelona and Liverpool booked their spots in the Round of 16 with vital wins over Benfica and Lille, respectively. Barcelona triumphed in a pulsating 5-4 clash against Benfica, while Liverpool ensured their progression with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over 10-man Lille. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid delivered a stunning comeback win against Bayer Leverkusen despite being down to 10 men, keeping their hopes alive for the knockout stages.

The day’s action was packed with drama, including a red card-filled affair and shocking upsets. Juventus played out a goalless draw against Club Brugge, complicating their group-stage aspirations, while Borussia Dortmund suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Serie A side Bologna. With the stakes higher than ever, each match offered a fresh twist in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

BARCELONA VS BENFICA: LATE HEROICS AND VAR CONTROVERSY

Barcelona’s 5-4 win over Benfica will be remembered as one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha each scored twice, with Eric Garcia adding a crucial goal. However, Raphinha’s stoppage-time winner became a talking point after Benfica appealed for a penalty, alleging Ferran Torres had fouled Leandro Barreiro in the build-up. VAR reviewed the incident but upheld the referee’s original decision, allowing Barcelona to secure all three points.

Trailing 4-2 with just 15 minutes remaining, Barcelona mounted a stunning late comeback, underlining their resilience. This victory moved them three points behind group leaders Liverpool, ensuring a spot in the Round of 16.

LIVERPOOL VS LILLE: SALAH’S MILESTONE MOMENT

Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Lille highlighted the brilliance of Mohamed Salah, who netted his 50th European goal for the club. Harvey Elliott added a second, further cementing Liverpool’s dominance under manager Arne Slot. Lille, reduced to 10 men after a red card, pulled one back through Jonathan David, but Elliott’s 67th-minute strike sealed the win for the Premier League leaders.

With this victory, Liverpool not only secured their spot in the knockout stages but also maintained their position at the top of the group, reinforcing their credentials as strong contenders for the Champions League title.