Reports from the Spanish press have revealed that Portuguese police were forced to intervene following a heated altercation between players of Barcelona and Benfica after their dramatic Champions League group-stage clash.
The match, held at the Estádio da Luz, was marked by an extraordinary comeback from Barcelona, who triumphed over the hosts with a thrilling 5-4 victory in the seventh round of the group stage.
According to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, tensions flared in the tunnel leading to the locker rooms immediately after the match concluded.
The dispute reportedly began when several Benfica players directed insults toward Barcelona’s Rafinha. This incident sparked a confrontation that escalated quickly, requiring the intervention of the Portuguese authorities to prevent further escalation and restore order.
The match itself was an emotional rollercoaster, with Barcelona staging a remarkable turnaround to secure victory in the dying moments of the game.
Rafinha, who played a pivotal role, scored the decisive goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, sealing Barcelona’s spot in the Champions League round of sixteen. His contribution, however, appeared to have been the trigger for the post-match tensions, as frustration among the Benfica players boiled over.
The Spanish media highlighted the intervention of the Portuguese police as a necessary measure to maintain control and diffuse the situation. The dramatic nature of Barcelona’s victory, coupled with the tension and high stakes of the group stage, likely contributed to the heightened emotions among the players.
Barcelona’s qualification for the next round was a testament to their resilience and determination in what was described as one of the most exciting matches of the tournament.
Despite the tension-filled aftermath, the team celebrated their progress to the knockout stages, while the incident underscored the intense rivalry and emotions inherent in high-profile football competitions.
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