Barcelona’s fortunes took another downward turn after Benfica beat the beleaguered Catalan club in Champions League group stage action on Wednesday.
It was the second straight loss in the competition by a three-goal margin for Ronald Koeman’s side, following a loss to Bayern Munich by the same scoreline two weeks ago.
It adds further pressure to Koeman, who has come under immense criticism amid an equally lacklustre start to the LaLiga season.
Uruguay star Darwin Nunez had two goals for Benfica on the night to lead the Portuguese powerhouse to the win at an electric night in Lisbon. Nunez’s first goal came in as he raced past Barca’s backline and cut in on left for the near-post finish.
Lucas Verissima then made a last-ditch block to deny Luuk de Jong from close range as Barcelona looked to get back into the game, but they were second best throughout.
But Jorge Jesus’ side continued to mount pressure after the break, with Rafa Silva doubling the lead when he pounced on Joao Mario’s initial shot.
Benfica continued the onslaught when Nunez saw a shot clip the wordwork on a throughball, only to then convert a penalty in the 79th minute after Sergino Dest was booked for a handball inside the box.
Barcelona finished the night with 10 men after Eric Garcia was shown his second yellow card on the night.
Barca are bottom of Group E with no points from two games, six behind leaders Bayern and four adrift of Benfica. Dynamo Kiev are third place in one point.
Defeat means Barcelona are in danger of failing to reach the knockout stage for the first time since the 2003-04 season, when they did not qualify for the Champions League.
The last time they failed to progress from the first group stage when playing in the competition was in the 2000-01 campaign.
ESPN
