Szczesny 10, Cubarsi 2 | Benfica 0-1 Barcelona: Player ratings | OneFootball

Barcelona’s second trip to Lisbon this season was as eventful if not more than their visit earlier in the campaign.

The stakes this time around were far higher and the objective was to take home a favourable result ahead of next week’s return leg.

That plan, however, took a massive blow when star defender Pau Cubarsi had himself sent off against the run of play early in the opening half, reducing the visitors to ten men.

Thus began a period of intense defence and occasional counterattacks for Barcelona as they kept the game under control. Eventually, Raphinha pounced on half a chance to give his side the lead with a wonder strike.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Benfica 0-1 Barcelona.

Wojciech Szczesny: 10

One of Szczesny’s finest ever performances. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

A massive performance from the Polish goalkeeper who proved on the night why he is one of the best in the business.

Began the night with a huge save to deny Benfica and again came up with a clutch save to deny Aturkoglu in their biggest chance after Cubarsi’s red card.

Alejandro Balde: 8

The Spanish left-back largely kept Aturkoglu in check and the flank in his control even after the setback.

Was at his lethal best in terms of progression and dribbling and his connection with Raphinha served as the foundation of so many of Barcelona’s attempted counter-attacks.

Inigo Martinez: 9

The veteran was put under serious pressure after Cubarsi’s sending-off but did well to hold down the fortress and ensure the high line continued to be executed well.

Earned a yellow card for protest after being run over by a Benfica player that he could and should have avoided given the game situation.

Pau Cubarsi: 2

Cubarsi’s red card changed Barcelona’s plans. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Cubarsi sabotaged Barcelona’s plan with an early irresponsible challenge on Pavlidis, earning a red card with a suicidal decision.

Needless to say, his moment of madness cost the Catalans dearly as they were in control and on course for a potential dominant win with him on the field.

Jules Kounde: 8

A strong defensive show from Kounde given the game situation as he kept Schjelderup under control.

Did well to balance defensive and attacking duties and linked up well with Yamal in the final third.

Frenkie de Jong: 8

Frenkie de Jong or Marc Casado was a big talking point for Flick ahead of last night’s game, and while the latter may have been a better fit for the opposition, the Dutchmsn did fine.

De Jong covered decent ground defensively and added control to Barcelona’s midfield which was much needed after the Catalans sacrificed a midfielder for defensive stability.

Pedri: 9

The star midfielder once again maintained control of the midfield and was vital in countering Benfica’s press after the man disadvantage.

Dropped back and defended deep for a greater part of the game but was central to any progressions and transitions to attack.

Dani Olmo: 6

The Spaniard earned a deserved start after his heroics vs Real Sociedad and made a good start to the game.

Unfortunately had his night cut short and was taken off after Cubarsi’s red card as the manager preferred defensive stability.

Lamine Yamal: 8

The youngster shone down the right flank, taking on and winning dribbles against the Benfica defence before and after the sending-off.

Served as the orchestrator-in-chief for Barcelona’s attack and even came close to scoring in the first half when Trubin produced a triple save.

Raphinha: 9

Raphinha scored the match-winning goal under pressure (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

The Brazilian’s work-rate was off the charts, especially with the team down to 10 men for the better part of the game.

He threatened to push down the left flank with pace and trigger rampant counter-attacks but his decision-making in the final third was a letdown as he let go of several vital chances that were worth their weight in gold.

Pounced on half a chance to score a stunning goal against the run of play to give 10-man Barcelona the lead in a hugely important game.

Robert Lewandowski: 7

The Polish striker looked to contribute as much as he could off the ball, tracking back and even anchoring the play on need. Missed a big chance in the first half where he just had to get convincingly on the rebound off Olmo’s strike.

Ronald Araujo: 8.5

Came on to provide damage control after Cubarsi’s red card and did well to stabilise the ship in the opening period.

Was under pressure in the second half as Benfica pushed forward in numbers but held his nerve to keep the team in the game.