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The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 continues with an intense battle between Barcelona and Benfica at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Both teams are fighting for a place in the quarter-finals, and with the first leg ending in a dramatic fashion, this match promises to deliver fireworks.
Will Barcelona assert their dominance at home, or can Benfica pull off a historic upset? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this exciting clash.
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2024/2025
- Stage: Round of 16 – Second Leg
- Kickoff Time: 18:45 GMT
- Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
- First Leg Score: Benfica 1-1 Barcelona
Where to Watch?
Fans around the world can watch this high-stakes match on the following channels:
- Cosmote Sport 8 HD (Greece)
- Arena Sport 4 HD Serbia
- Sport TV5 Portugal
Team Market Value – A Clash of Giants
Both teams have impressive squads, but there’s a significant gap in overall squad value.
- Barcelona's Total Market Value: €875.60 million
- Benfica's Total Market Value: €402.30 million
Barcelona’s financial power and star-studded lineup make them the favorites, but Benfica has shown they can punch above their weight in European competitions.
Key Players to Watch
Barcelona’s Key Players
- Pedri (€100M): The young midfielder is Barcelona’s creative engine.
- Robert Lewandowski (€30M): A world-class striker who knows how to score in big games.
- Jules Koundé (€60M): A rock in defense, crucial for stopping Benfica’s counters.
Benfica’s Key Players
- João Neves (€55M): A midfield maestro who dictates the tempo.
- Ángel Di María (€8M): A veteran with immense experience in Champions League knockouts.
- Antonio Silva (€45M): A young but highly talented center-back.
Barcelona’s Tactical Approach
Barcelona will look to dominate possession and control the tempo. Here’s how they’re likely to approach the game:
- Possession-based football: Expect them to control the midfield and patiently break down Benfica’s defense.
- High defensive line: They will press high and push their full-backs forward.
- Lewandowski’s presence: The Polish striker will be a key target man inside the box.
If Barcelona can score early, they will put Benfica under immense pressure.
Benfica’s Game Plan – The Underdog’s Approach
Benfica knows they are the underdogs but will rely on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks. Their strategy will likely involve:
- Compact defending: The backline will stay disciplined to absorb Barcelona’s attacks.
- Pace on the counter: With Di María and João Mário, Benfica can exploit spaces left behind.
- Set-piece opportunities: They will look to capitalize on corners and free kicks.
If Benfica can frustrate Barcelona and stay level until the final minutes, they could snatch a dramatic result.
Recent Form – Who Has the Edge?
Barcelona’s Last 5 Matches
✅ Barcelona 3-0 Celta Vigo
✅ Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona
🤝 Benfica 1-1 Barcelona
✅ Barcelona 4-1 Mallorca
✅ Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona comes into this match in excellent form, with solid wins in La Liga.
Benfica’s Last 5 Matches
✅ Benfica 3-0 Braga
✅ Portimonense 0-2 Benfica
🤝 Benfica 1-1 Barcelona
✅ Benfica 2-0 Sporting CP
✅ Gil Vicente 1-2 Benfica
Benfica is also enjoying a strong run, proving they can challenge top teams.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona (4-3-3 Formation)
Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
Defenders: Koundé, Araujo, Christensen, Balde
Midfielders: Pedri, De Jong, Gavi
Forwards: Raphinha, Lewandowski, Yamal
Benfica (4-2-3-1 Formation)
Goalkeeper: Trubin
Defenders: Bah, Silva, Otamendi, Aursnes
Midfielders: Neves, Kokçu
Attacking Midfielders: Di María, João Mário, Rafa Silva
Forward: Musa
Match Prediction – Can Benfica Shock the World?
Barcelona has the home advantage, superior squad depth, and experience. However, Benfica is a dangerous side that has caused problems for big teams in the past.
The key question is whether Barcelona can break down Benfica’s defense before frustration creeps in. If they do, expect a comfortable win. If Benfica stays level until late, things could get tense.
Final Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Benfica (Barcelona advances to the quarter-finals).
Conclusion
This Barcelona vs. Benfica clash is set to be a thrilling Champions League encounter. While Barcelona is favored to progress, Benfica’s resilience makes this a potential upset in the making. Will we see a routine win for Barcelona, or will Benfica stun the football world?
FAQs
1. What was the result of the first leg?
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Lisbon.
2. Who is Barcelona’s most valuable player?
Pedri (€100M) is currently the most valuable player in the squad.
3. Has Benfica ever beaten Barcelona in the Champions League?
Yes, Benfica has defeated Barcelona in past European encounters, most notably in 1961 when they won the European Cup final.
4. What happens if the match ends in a draw?
If the aggregate score remains tied after 90 minutes, the game will go into extra time and potentially penalties.
5. What’s Barcelona’s best Champions League comeback?
The 2017 "Remontada" against PSG, when they overturned a 4-0 deficit to win 6-1, remains their most iconic Champions League comeback.