Barcelona and Benfica are set to clash once again in the UEFA Champions League, with the Spanish giants looking to repeat their thrilling 5-4 victory over Benfica from earlier in the season. Hansi Flick’s side staged a stunning comeback in that match, but they will aim for a more controlled performance this time around.
With both teams eager to secure a strong result, this fixture promises plenty of excitement. Let’s take a deep dive into team news, predicted lineups, and key players to watch.
SL Benfica: Team News & Tactical Setup
Benfica will have to make do without several key players for this crucial encounter. While Florentino Luis returns from suspension, he remains unavailable due to a thigh injury. He joins Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, Tiago Gouveia, Renato Sanches, and Angel Di Maria on the sidelines.
Given these absences, Benfica might opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Anatoliy Trubin guarding the posts. Tomas Araujo and Alvaro Carreras are expected to play as full-backs, while Nicolas Otamendi and Antonio Silva form the central defensive pairing.
In midfield, Orkun Kokcu will link up with Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro to control possession and prevent Barcelona from dominating the game. On the flanks, Kerem Akturkoglu and Bruma will provide attacking width, while Vangelis Pavlidis leads the attack as Benfica look to break through Barcelona’s defense.
Benfica Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Trubin; Araujo, Otamendi, Silva, Carreras; Kokcu, Barreiro, Aursnes; Akturkoglu, Pavlidis, Bruma
Barcelona: Team News & Tactical Setup
Barcelona will be relieved to have Gavi back in the starting lineup after he missed the last game due to illness. However, Andreas Christensen has suffered a calf injury and joins Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal on the sidelines.
Despite these setbacks, Hansi Flick has a strong squad available and is likely to stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation. Wojciech Szczesny will continue as the goalkeeper, with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde occupying the full-back positions. At the heart of the defense, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi will aim to keep things solid at the back.
In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will operate as the double pivot, offering both defensive coverage and creative support. Gavi will take up the No.10 role, while the in-form duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha provide width and attacking threat on the wings. Up front, Robert Lewandowski remains Barcelona’s primary goal-scoring weapon.
Barcelona Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Key Match Stats & Insights
- Barcelona and Benfica faced off earlier this season, with the Blaugrana winning 5-4 in a thrilling encounter.
- The two clubs have met 10 times in the Champions League, with Barcelona winning four games and Benfica securing two victories.
- Benfica have faced Barcelona more than almost any other club in their Champions League history, with this being their 11th meeting.
- While Benfica won two of their first three European home games against Spanish clubs, they have only managed two wins in their last 12 such encounters.
- Barcelona have been dominant away from home against Portuguese opposition, losing only one of their last ten trips to Portugal.
Player to Watch: Raphinha
Raphinha is in the form of his life, having contributed 42 goal involvements (24 goals, 18 assists) in 39 matches across all competitions this season. In the Champions League alone, the Brazilian has already registered 12 goal contributions, putting him close to breaking a record for Brazilian players in a single campaign.
Only Kaká (13 in 2006/07) and Roberto Firmino (17 in 2017/18) have achieved higher goal contributions in a single Champions League season. If Raphinha continues this streak, he could be the decisive factor in Barcelona’s push for another victory over Benfica.
Benfica vs Barcelona Prediction
SL Benfica 1-3 Barcelona
Barcelona’s attacking firepower and strong away form make them favorites for this clash. While Benfica will look to capitalize on home advantage, their injury concerns could prove costly. Expect another entertaining encounter, with Barcelona securing a 3-1 win to put one foot into the next round.
Benfica vs Barcelona Live Stream
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