Before these two sides meet again next week, Benfica will face Nacional in the Primeira Liga, while Barcelona are set to host Osasuna in La Liga. Thanks for joining Tribe for this coverage. There's plenty more European football action tomorrow. Until then, this is Sanil Karan signing off.

Szczesny was called into action early in the second half, making crucial saves to deny Pavlidis and Fredrik Aursnes, but there was little he could do when Raphinha capitalized on a mistake by Antonio Silva, stealing the ball and curling a powerful shot into the bottom right corner to give Barcelona the lead on the hour mark. Bruno Lage made several attacking changes in an effort to equalize, with Andrea Belotti seemingly earning a penalty late on, but he was offside. Joao Rego, Renato Sanches, and Arthur Cabral all had chances to level the score, but despite the pressure, Barcelona's ten men held firm, finishing with a slim advantage heading into the second leg.

Benfica almost took the lead from the very first whistle as Barcelona gave up possession immediately, allowing Kerem Akturkoglu to have a first-time effort tipped around the post by Wojciech Szczesny. The hosts continued to press, with Leandro Barreiro's shot going over the bar shortly after, but Barcelona began to settle. Despite some near misses, including a remarkable double save from Anatoliy Trubin to deny Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona's luck ran out when Pau Cubarsi was sent off for a foul on Vangelis Pavlidis. With Szczesny continuing to shine with crucial saves, Barcelona were fortunate to escape further damage as we went to half time goalless.

Renato Sanches plays a quick pass to Rego on the right, and after a quick exchange of passes, Rego tries to deliver a cross into the box. However, Balde is quick to close him down, blocking the cross and preventing any danger for Barcelona.

SAVE! Benfica continue to probe for an opening as Renato Sanches takes a shot from distance towards the right side of the goal. However, Szczesny is alert and produces a fine save, diving to his left to push the ball away from danger. The Polish goalkeeper has been exceptional today, and it's hard to argue against him being the Man of the Match.

Pedri launches a long free kick from midfield, but Barcelona are largely content to sit back, with few runners pushing forward. The ball sails towards the attacking third, but the lack of movement from Barca players means it’s easily dealt with by Benfica's defense. The Catalans seem focused on holding onto their slim lead.

Pedri stayed down after that late challenge on his right ankle, clearly in some pain. However, after receiving treatment on the pitch, he’s able to get back on his feet and continue. The young midfielder seems to have recovered and is ready to rejoin the action.

Rego catches Pedri late in midfield with a reckless challenge, and the referee is quick to brandish a yellow card. It’s a clear foul as Rego mistimed his tackle, and Pedri looks to be in some discomfort.