The match began with an early chance for Kerem Akturkoglu, whose first-minute shot was denied by Barca goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Benfica also started strongly, with Nicolas Otamendi having a shot blocked. Meanwhile, at the other end, Dani Olmo came close but fired just wide. The game's intensity escalated when Barca was reduced to 10 men in the 22nd minute, as Pau Cubarsi received a red card for bringing down Vangelis Pavlidis as the last defender.
