Benfica 4–5 Barça: Epic comeback to reach the final

An epic encounter in the Arena Riga between Barça and Benfica was ended with an epic comeback as Jesús Velasco's team sealed their place in Sunday's final with a goal from Adolfo with just 18 seconds of extra time remaining to complete a 5-4 win over the Portuguese side. 

The blaugranes will now take on Sporting Clube de Portugal in the final on Sunday after their victory over French side ACSS in the other semi-final. 

Against the ropes 

The game did not get off to the best of starts for the blaugranes as they fell behind in the very first minute, Tayebi scoring from the spot for Benfica. The dangerous Vinicius Rocha made it 2-0 the Lisbon side on 9 minutes as Barça's poor start to the semi-final continued. 

Benfica defended stoutly and Barça went close when Adolfo struck the woodwork in the 13th minute. Ferrao and Coelho went close but it was Benfica who struck again before half time, Afonso Jesus making it 3-0 on 17 minutes. 

Come back and extra time 

An epic comeback was needed and that is what Barça delivered in the second half. Mateus kick started the reaction with a goal on 21 minutes to claw one back for Jesús Velasco's team. Chances for Pito, Marcenio and Dídac came and went before Vinicius struck the bar for Benfica, almost making it 4-1.

However, Barça did come to within a goal of Benfica thanks to a great strike from Ferrao on 31 minutes. Just four minutes later Dyego levelled things up at 3-3 only to score again just two minutes before full time to make it 4-3 and put the blaugranes ahead for the first time. Nevertheless, almost immediately, Chishkala scored for Benfica to make it 4-4 and send the game into extra time. 

Just when it appeared the semi-final would be decided on penalties, Adolfo popped up with just 18 seconds left on the clock to send Barça into the final and spark mayhem on the sidelines. Barça make their fourth appearance in the Champions League final on Sunday when they face Sporting Clube for the title.  

MATCH STATS 

BENFICA, 4

BARÇA, 5

Benfica: André Sousa, Romulo, Robinho, Chishkala, Vinicius Rocha –starting five- Silvestre Ferreira, Afonso Jesus, Arthur, Rafael Henmi, Nilson Miguel, Tayebi, Bruno Cintra and Jacaré, Diego Roncaglio (gk)

Barça: Dídac, André Coelho, Dyego, Adolfo, Pito –starting five- Povill, Matheus, Lozano, Ferrao, Marcenio, Ortiz, Nicolás, Miquel Feixas (gk), Alex Lluch (gk).

Goals: 1-0, Tayebi, pen. (min 1). 2-0, Vinicius Rocha (min 9). 3-0, Afonso Jesus (min 17). 3-1, Matheus (min 21). 3-2, Ferrao (min 31). 3-3, Dyego (min 35). 3-4, Dyego (min 38). 4-4, Chishkala (min 38). 4-5, Adolfo (min 50).