Title: Barça's Epic Champions League Victory over Benfica: A Potential $50 Million Boost
FC Barcelona's remarkable comeback victory over Benfica in the Champions League feels like it could be worth over $50 million to the Catalan giants, according to UEFA prize money figures and AS. The night in the Estádio da Luz looked bleak as the Catalans trailed the Lisbon giants by two goals on two separate occasions.
At 4-2 down, however, Robert Lewandowski converted his second penalty, followed by Pedri setting up Eric Garcia for a headed equalizer. With seconds left on the clock, MVP Raphinha, who declared he would "kill and die" for the team, sprinted down the pitch, caught a Ferran Torres clearance, and outfoxed Anatoliy Trubin to net an eighth goal in just seven UCL appearances this season.
The emotional rollercoaster had Hansi Flick questioning if he'd ever experienced such a comeback. While this victory will certainly raise morale, it also boosts Barcelona's finances at a crucial time as they continue to recover from a financial crisis that threatened to close the Camp Nou's doors at the turn of the decade.
The $2.2 million (€2.1 million) win against Benfica means Barcelona has already earned $13.1 million (€12.6 million) from their six Champions League victories this season. Add the $19.4 million (€18.6 million) for participation, and it's $11.5 million (€11 million) for reaching the Round of 16, making a total of around $43 million (€41.2 million). But with Liverpool potentially slipping up and a win against Europa League holders Atalanta next week, the total could swell to a mammoth $55.6 million (€53.3 million).
Winning their group and beating Atalanta would additionally earn them €10 million for finishing first and €4.2 million for beating Atalanta, totaling approximately €55.4 million. Should they happen to progress further in the competition, more riches await – potential earnings of up to an additional $37 million (€34 million) if they succeed in the knockout stages.
In a nutshell, Barcelona's heroic Benfica victory could place them in line for a substantial payday, providing they finish first and defeat Atalanta.
Hansi Flick expressed his awe at Barcelona's comeback against Benfica, remarking that he hadn't experienced such a turnaround before. Raphinha's late goal against Benfica could potentially help Barcelona secure a group stage win against Atalanta, adding €10 million to their Champions League earnings. If Barcelona manages to beat Atalanta and finishes first in their group, they could earn an additional €4.2 million, thanks to Raphinha's impressive performance in the competition.
