Raphinha scored a second-half winner to give Barcelona a 1-0 win at Benfica on Wednesday, as they overcame an early red card for Pau Cubarsi to take the lead in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Barcelona's teenage defender Cubarsi was shown a straight red card for a last-minute challenge on Vangelis Pavlidis in the 22nd minute, but the visitors held on for Raphinha's decisive goal and it was worth noting that goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny put in a brilliant performance, making eight saves.

The Polish veteran made a number of fine saves to keep Barça in the game and his efforts were rewarded in the 61st minute when Raphinha pounced on a poor defensive pass across the Benfica box.

He then capitalised on the error, unleashing a low shot that deflected off a defender and inside the left-hand post.

"Szczesny saved us many times today, he is outstanding," Barcelona midfielder Pedri told Spanish TV station Movistar Plus.

"You have to give a lot of credit to the team's effort after being a man down so early in the game. On other days it has been harder for us, but today we held on and defended really well.

Both sides were attacking and defending at the start of the game, but Kubasi's tackle changed everything. In the 22nd minute, Benfica striker Pavlidis raced into the penalty area and Kubasi was forced to tackle his opponent before the referee booked him.Flick then brought on Araujo for Olmo to strengthen his defence, but it was Szczesny who kept Barcelona's hopes alive.

The Polish keeper ended up making eight saves, five of them in the second half when Benfica piled on the pressure with over 60% of the possession and 15 shots on target.