Benfica vs FC Barcelona Stats: Head-to-Head Record & History

Few rivalries in European football deliver the kind of drama that Benfica and Barcelona have served up in recent seasons. The two clubs have met 11 times across all competitions, with Barcelona holding a clear edge—but Benfica’s four-goal outburst in their last meeting shows they are no pushovers, and this article breaks down the head-to-head record, key stats from their latest thriller, and answers the top questions fans are asking.

Unbeaten streak: Barcelona unbeaten in last 5 matches vs Benfica (4W, 1D) · Most recent match: Benfica 4-5 Barcelona (Jan 21, 2025) · Man of the match (Jan 21): Raphinha

The five key facts from the most recent encounter paint a clear picture of how the match unfolded.

Has Barcelona ever beaten Benfica?

Head-to-head record in UEFA competitions

• Barcelona have won 6 times, Benfica 2 times, with 4 draws in all UEFA Champions League meetings (UEFA.com).
• Total goals: Barcelona 17, Benfica 12 (UEFA.com).

Recent results

• Barcelona are unbeaten in the last 5 meetings (4 wins, 1 draw) (UEFA.com).
• The most recent match on Jan 21, 2025 ended Benfica 4-5 Barcelona (ESPN).

Bottom line: Barcelona clearly dominates the historical series, but Benfica have proven they can score at will—their four goals in the last meeting prove they are no underdog.

The pattern: Barcelona’s historical edge is clear, but Benfica’s ability to score four shows they can trouble any defense.

Who was the man of the match Barca vs Benfica?

Raphinha’s performance on Jan 21, 2025

• Raphinha was named man of the match for the Jan 21, 2025 match (ESPN; Facebook post (social media)).
• He scored the winning goal in the 86th minute to complete a 5-4 comeback (UEFA.com).

Subsequent match on Mar 5, 2025

• Raphinha also scored the winner in the 1-0 victory at Benfica on Mar 5, 2025 (ESPN).
• He struck in the 61st minute after Barcelona had been reduced to 10 men (ESPN).

The implication: Barcelona’s attacking firepower, especially Raphinha’s, has been the decisive factor in recent meetings.

Which team is better: Barca or Benfica?

Overall head-to-head comparison

• Barcelona have a stronger historical record with more wins (6 vs 2 in UEFA competitions) (UEFA.com).
• Benfica have shown they can score heavily (4 goals in Jan 2025) (ESPN).

Recent form comparison

• In the 2024/25 season, Barcelona won both knockout matches (1-0 and 3-1) to advance 4-1 on aggregate (FotMob).
• Barcelona recorded 65% possession and 20 total shots in the second leg vs Benfica’s 8 (FotMob).

Six stats sum up the contrast between the two sides.

Bottom line: Barcelona are the stronger side historically and in recent form, but Benfica’s attack can trouble any defense. The trade-off: Benfica’s defensive lapses cost them against Barcelona’s relentless pressing.

The catch: Benfica’s attacking output may be high, but it is often outweighed by defensive mistakes.

Which club beat Barcelona 11-1?

The 1943 Copa del Generalísimo match

• Real Madrid beat Barcelona 11-1 in the 1943 Copa del Generalísimo (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference)).
• The match is one of the biggest wins in El Clásico history.

The pattern: Barcelona have suffered occasional heavy defeats to their biggest rivals, but their overall record against Benfica is far more favorable.

Which team has never beaten Barca?

Dundee United’s unique record

• Dundee United has never lost to Barcelona in four meetings, according to a social media claim (Facebook post (social media)).
• Details of the four matches include two draws and two wins for Dundee United in the 1980s.

The catch: This surprising record applies only to Dundee United, making them a trivia footnote in Barcelona’s European history.

Timeline: Benfica vs Barcelona head-to-head

• 2021-22 season: Barcelona 3-1 Benfica (UEFA.com)
• 2022-23 season: Benfica 0-1 Barcelona (UEFA.com)
• 2023-24 season: Barcelona 0-0 Benfica (UEFA.com)
• Jan 21, 2025: Benfica 4-5 Barcelona (ESPN)
• Mar 5, 2025: Benfica 0-1 Barcelona (ESPN)

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Barcelona won 5-4 on Jan 21, 2025 (UEFA.com)
• Raphinha scored the winner on Mar 5, 2025 (ESPN)
• Barcelona unbeaten in last 5 meetings (4W, 1D) (UEFA.com)

What’s unclear

• Exact total head-to-head record beyond UEFA competitions is not fully verified; aggregator data may include friendlies.
• The total number of matches between the two clubs in all competitions is not fully confirmed; some sources count friendly matches.
• The attendance figure for the Jan 21, 2025 match (62,347) is from UEFA and may not reflect exact sold out count.

Key quotes from the recent matches

Raphinha struck a second-half winner to give Barcelona a lion-hearted 1-0 victory at Benfica on Wednesday as they overcame a red card for Pau Cubarsí.— ESPN match report (established sports news outlet)

Man of the match vs Benfica – Raphinha.— Facebook post (social media)

Summary

Benfica have proven they can compete with Barcelona in attack, but their defensive vulnerabilities have cost them in crucial moments. For Barcelona, the path forward is clear: continue to rely on their depth and the form of players like Raphinha. For Benfica, the lesson is that scoring four goals isn’t enough if they concede five. The next meeting will test whether Benfica can tighten their defense without losing their offensive edge.

For a detailed look at the predicted formations, check out the starting lineups for the match that shaped this thrilling encounter.

Frequently asked questions