There can’t be any doubt whatsoever that the performance on Wednesday night in Portugal is up there with the best of the season.

The goals didn’t flow as freely as they had on many previous occasions in 24/25, however, keeping out an effervescent Benfica side who had scored four against the Catalans on the same ground just 43 days ago was some feat indeed.

More so when you consider that the visitors were hamstrung by the red card metered out to Pau Cubarsi in the 22nd minute.

UEFA’s double standards were clearly seen later in the game when Inigo Martinez was studded just below the kneecap and yet the match official only saw fit to hand out a yellow for the challenge.

No matter. Hansi Flick’s side kept their composure and how proud must the German be of his side after that.

Raphinha handed Barca a priceless lead to take into the second leg, albeit a slender one, and things might have got even better for the Blaugranes if the movement from the likes of Lewandowski and Ferran Torres was better.

The Brazilian deserved his goal even if it came courtesy of a defensive mistake.

He had worked tirelessly during the first hour of play, just as he had done on many previous occasions this season, and when he was called upon to do the business, he didn’t disappoint.

Wojciech Szczesny also had a game to remember at the ground where he had a match to forget last time out.

The amount of first-class saves made on the night will have banished those demons for good, though Lady Luck was shining in his direction when it looked as though Benfica were going to be awarded a late penalty.

Undoubtedly Barca’s man of the match, he was followed closely in that regard by Pedri, whose industry and skill set shone like a beacon across the 90+ minutes.

Often taking the game to Barca’s opponents, Pedri kept the Catalans ticking over throughout and was the conduit through which everything flowed.

The entire squad certainly deserve a collective slap on the back for a job well done, and if they manage to win the tie and go deeper into the competition, they’ll look back on this first leg as one of the defining moments of their campaign.

It was a performance worthy of champions.