Barcelona hero Raphinha declared he is in the best form of his career after his 96th-minute goal earned the Blaugrana a stunning 5-4 Champions League win over Benfica.
Raphinha scored twice as Barcelona booked their place in the last 16 of the competition, fighting back from 3-1 and 4-2 to win an incredible match in Lisbon.
Raphinha's winning goal – a low strike on the counter-attack moments after Benfica had beaten back a penalty – was timed at 95 minutes and eight seconds.
That is Barcelona's last ever winning goal in the competition (since 2003-04), while his ten goals (eight goals, two assists) are the most of any player in the Champions League this season.
Speaking to Movistar after his dramatic intervention, the Brazilian said: “I think I'm in the best moment of my career.
“We knew it would be quite a tough match. I know how difficult it is to play here, in front of their fans. They know very well how to play and have players of the highest level.”
“We didn't fall apart in the first half at 3-1. We came back focused to change the game. It was a spectacular match for everyone. Benfica could very well have won, but we took it.”
Tuesday's match was the first in Champions League history to end 5-4, with Barcelona becoming only the second team to win a match in the competition despite scoring four goals (after Borussia Dortmund 8-4 Legia Warsaw in November 2016).
It was also the first time that Barcelona had won a European Cup or Champions League match from two goals down, and only the second match in the competition in which Benfica lost after being two goals ahead (after a 3–2 defeat to Red Star). Belgrade in September 1984).
Head coach Hansi Flick said of their fightback: “The most positive thing was the mentality we had, we came back and it's great, this is football.
“I've never seen such a comeback. Benfica are very good, they made us defend deep.”
Both groups of players became involved in a full-time brawl, and Raphinha claims a number of Benfica players – furious at not punishing Fermin Lopez in the build-up to the winner – hurled insults at him.
“I am someone who respects everyone. When I left the field, there were people who insulted me. I answered the insults, I know I shouldn't,” said the winger.
“We all got excited, but the Benfica players preferred to insult me. I am someone who doesn't take anything home.
“I respect it when they respect me, but I don't keep my mouth shut when they insult me. It's normal for a match to end like this.”
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