Benfica spurned a series of gilt-edged chances to beat Barcelona this evening and were ultimately made to pay with an early exit from the Champions League.

Barca manager Tito Vilanova decided to leave Lionel Messi on the bench and his side struggled to control possession in the early stages.

The visitors needed to match Celtic's result to progress but missed their first chance to go ahead after 15 minutes.

Rodrigo beat the offside trap and broke clear but aimed a curling shot wide from point-blank range.

Benfica continued to create chances but Lima was denied when Jose Pinto turned his effort onto the post.

Ola John was also kept at bay by Pinto just before the break when his low shot was parried from close range.

Barca's only effort of the opening period came from David Villa, who sent a near-post header wide in the closing stages.

Messi was introduced after the interval but could not break the deadlock despite testing the Benfica back line from a series of set pieces.

The Argentine talisman was stretchered off five minutes from time after turning awkwardly while closing in on goal.

Jorge Jesus's side searched for a winner in stoppage time but were ultimately eliminated after Celtic scored a late winner against Spartak Moscow and must settle for a Europa League place.