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Yamal Inspires Barcelona's 4-1 Win Over Copenhagen to Clinch Direct Champions League Last-16 Spot

Direct entry spares extra playoff games, reshaping the knockout path across the field.

Overview

  • Barcelona secured a top-eight finish with a 4-1 comeback over Copenhagen, guaranteeing a place in the round of 16 without a playoff tie.
  • Lamine Yamal set up Robert Lewandowski’s equaliser, scored the winner, and won the penalty that sealed the result in a decisive second half.
  • Lewandowski, back on the scoresheet in Europe, said finishing in the top eight allows needed rest and training focus during a congested schedule.
  • The victory came despite the absences of midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, underlining the squad’s depth.
  • Elsewhere, late group-stage twists left Real Madrid, PSG, and Newcastle headed to playoff ties, with a last-minute Benfica goal proving pivotal.