How Many Times Has Benfica Beaten Barcelona?

By Alice Nichols

Benfica and Barcelona have a long-standing history in European football. Over the years, these two giants of the game have faced each other on multiple occasions, creating some memorable clashes on the pitch. Let’s take a closer look at how many times Benfica has emerged victorious against Barcelona.

The Early Encounters

In their early encounters, Benfica had a tough time overcoming Barcelona. The first meeting between the two teams took place in the 1960-61 European Cup semifinals. Barcelona managed to edge past Benfica with a 4-3 aggregate victory, denying the Portuguese side a chance to lift the prestigious trophy.

However, Benfica quickly bounced back and got their revenge when they defeated Barcelona in the 1961-62 European Cup final. This historic encounter saw Eusebio’s brace securing a 3-2 victory for Benfica, marking their first triumph over Barcelona.

The Rivalry Intensifies

In subsequent years, Benfica and Barcelona continued to cross paths in various competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and friendly matches. While Barcelona enjoyed success in most of these encounters, Benfica managed to secure notable victories along the way.

Here are some of the standout victories for Benfica against Barcelona:

  • 1972 UEFA Super Cup: In this thrilling contest, Benfica emerged as winners with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. Despite losing the second leg 2-1, their victory in the first leg proved decisive.
  • 2005 UEFA Champions League: In this group stage clash, Benfica recorded an impressive 2-0 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou.

    Goals from Nuno Gomes and Simao Sabrosa sealed the win for the Portuguese side.

  • 2012 Friendly: In a pre-season friendly held in Barcelona, Benfica stunned the home crowd with a 2-0 victory. This result showcased Benfica’s ability to compete against top European clubs even in non-competitive fixtures.

The Recent Meetings

In recent years, Benfica has struggled to overcome Barcelona’s dominance. The Catalan giants have largely been successful in their encounters, asserting their superiority on the pitch.

While Benfica may have faced defeat more often than not against Barcelona, it’s important to note that football is a dynamic sport where anything can happen on any given day. Despite the historical results, both teams continue to strive for success and deliver captivating matches whenever they face each other.

In Conclusion

Benfica has had its fair share of victories against Barcelona over the years. From their memorable European Cup triumph in 1962 to notable victories in competitions like the UEFA Super Cup and Champions League, Benfica has proven its ability to challenge one of Europe’s football powerhouses. While Barcelona may have a better head-to-head record overall, it’s the spirit of competition and unpredictability that makes these clashes between Benfica and Barcelona truly captivating.