FC Barcelona's incredible 4-5 comeback victory over Benfica to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages was marred by a post-match altercation in the tunnel.
According to Barcelona winger Raphinha, he was subjected to verbal abuse from Benfica players as the teams made their way to the dressing rooms. The incident required the intervention of Portuguese police to prevent the situation from escalating further.
"I'm a respectful person, but as I was leaving the pitch, some people insulted me," Raphinha told Movistar+. "I responded in kind. I know I shouldn't have, but I returned the insults. In the end, we all got heated. The Benfica players were also a bit heated. They could have understood the situation, but they chose to insult me instead. I'm someone who doesn't hold anything back, so what they say to me, they'll hear back. It was just a moment of heat, it happens in football after a game like this."
Despite the unfortunate incident, the match itself was a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of both teams. Barcelona's dramatic comeback was made possible by a hat-trick from Raphinha, who was the standout performer on the night.
The incident highlights the intense emotions that can run high in football matches, especially in high-stakes encounters such as Champions League games. While the on-field action was full of excitement and drama, the post-match incident serves as a reminder that the beautiful game can sometimes be marred by ugly scenes.
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