Liverpool picked up right where it ended 2024, with a win that kept the Reds perfect heading into the final round of

Barcelona came back from two goals down with 15 minutes to go to defeat Benfica 5-4 and secure their place in the Champions League round of 16.

Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis scored the third-fastest hat trick at the start of a Champions League game on Tuesday, against Barcelona. The Greece international scored two minutes into the match and then in the 22nd and 30th minutes in a game that Benfica lost 5-4.

Then, almost fittingly, Benfica conceded a penalty on 78 minutes, which Lewandowski dispatched with ease to double his tally for the evening. If a game summed up Barcelona's season so far, this was it. The La Liga outfit even scored an 86th minute equaliser when Eric Garcia headed home to draw the scores level at 4-4.

Champions League action kicks off in 2025 and Barcelona look to secure their place in the round of 16 when they visit Benfica.

Barcelona will look to maintain their superb form in the UEFA Champions League as they make the short trip to Portugal on Tuesday to face Benfica, who are battling in to stay in contention for an automatic spot in the last 16.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football has returned for the penultimate matchround of the league stage. And Liverpool are back in action tonight at home to Lille as they close in on confirming their automatic

Match-winner Raphinha said Benfica insults sparked a scuffle in the tunnel after his stoppage-time goal earned Barcelona a remarkable 5-4 comeback win at the Estádio da Luz in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Raphinha struck a dramatic winner in stoppage time as Barcelona came from behind to beat Benfica 5-4 in a wild match on Tuesday and ensure direct qualification to the Champions League last 16. Szczesny saved former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria's low shot before Raphinha's dramatic winner.