Barcelona will defend a slim first-leg advantage when they host Benfica at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The Spanish giants are keen to punch their ticket to the quarter-final in back-to-back Champions League campaigns, while Benfica are eyeing a spot in the last eight for the third time in four seasons.
With both teams chasing a spot in the next round, fans can expect an intense battle under the lights in Barcelona as the hosts look to maintain their edge while the visitors push for a comeback.
Barca have been heavily tipped to reach the Champions League final and will fancy their chances given the form they’re in.
The club faithful are already keeping an eye on the cost of Champions League final tickets on Seatsnet.com, but their immediate attention will be on Tuesday’s Portuguese visitors.
Match Preview
Barca are still reeling from the sudden passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, which led to the postponement of their La Liga fixture last weekend.
Club president Joan Laporta stated that the tragic news has left the club in a “state of shock,” with players and staff struggling to come to terms with the loss.
A minute of silence was observed before training on Sunday at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, while Benfica manager Bruno Lage extended his condolences following his side’s 3-0 victory over Nacional on Saturday.
Despite the emotional weight of the situation, Barca must refocus as they prepare for Tuesday’s Champions League second-leg clash.
They take a narrow 1-0 advantage into the game, thanks to Raphinha’s goal in Lisbon.
That victory was hard-fought, with Hansi Flick’s side playing nearly 70 minutes with 10 men after Pau Cubarsi’s early red card.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was instrumental, making eight crucial saves to keep the Portuguese giants at bay.
The Catalan club remains unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions since their 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in December.
A draw will be enough to secure their spot in the next round, but they will be eager to claim another home victory at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Their recent form at home has been impressive. They’ve won five of their last seven games, including a commanding 4-0 win over Real Sociedad.
Barca also boasts a strong record against Benfica on home turf.
They’re unbeaten in four previous meetings (W2, D2) and have kept a clean sheet in each of the last three games.
Benfica will be determined to overturn their narrow first-leg defeat on Tuesday.
The Portuguese giants were left frustrated after falling short at home last week, failing to capitalise on Cubarsi’s red card.
The 1-0 loss was their second home defeat to Barca this season, having previously suffered a 5-4 setback in an electrifying January league-phase encounter.
Despite the European disappointment, Lage’s men quickly bounced back with a comprehensive 3-0 win against Nacional in the Primeira Liga, courtesy of goals from Zeki Amdouni, Orkun Kokcu, and Vangelis Pavlidis.
It was the fourth time in five league matches that the Eagles had netted 3+ goals, and they’d be keen to carry that goalscoring form into the game against Barca.
The result moved Benfica level on points with title rivals Sporting CP, but they’ll now shift their attention to European football, where they face a daunting challenge.
History is not on their side – Benfica have lost five of their last six Champions League knockout ties after suffering defeat in the first leg.
Their record against Spanish opposition doesn’t help their cause either.
Sporting have managed just two wins in 13 competitive away matches against La Liga sides. The last time they managed a win was against Atletico Madrid in the 2015/16 group stage.
However, there is still hope. Benfica’s recent away form in the Champions League has been impressive.
They have won their last three European away games, beating AS Monaco and Juventus in the league phase before repeating their success against Monaco in the play-offs.
That streak will give them belief as they attempt to stage a historic comeback on Barca’s turf.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal has been in outstanding form for Barca this season, notching 11 goals and 16 assists in 36 games across all competitions.
He’s the kind of special talent fans pay the big bucks to watch, and many will buy Champions League tickets from Seatsnet.com, hoping to see him add to his tally against Benfica.
So far, only four of his 27 goal contributions have come in the Champions League. For a 17-year-old, those numbers are still impressive, considering he has featured in eight games.
He’d certainly be Barca’s biggest threat, but Raphinha will also be keen to affect the game, given the form he’s in this season.
Team News
Barca will be without Andreas Christensen for Benfica’s visit.
The Danish defender suffered a setback just days after returning to fitness and is expected to be sidelined until April with a calf issue.
The Catalan giants are also missing goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and young midfielder Marc Bernal, both recovering from long-term knee injuries.
Robert Lewandowski was omitted from the squad for Saturday’s postponed match against Osasuna due to minor physical discomfort.
However, the Polish striker is expected to be fit in time to lead the attack midweek. Gavi, who missed the first leg due to illness, has recovered and is likely to be among the substitutes.
Cubarsi will also be watching from the sidelines as he serves a one-match suspension. He will likely be replaced by Ronald Araujo.
Benfica also have their fair share of injury concerns. The Portuguese giants will be without Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, Tiago Gouveia, and Angel Di Maria.
Tomas Araujo is also a doubt after missing Saturday’s win.
Alvaro Carreras will serve a one-match ban due to yellow card accumulation, while January signing Bruma is ineligible for the Champions League knockout stage.
Barcelona potential starting line-up:
(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski.
Benfica possible starting line-up:
(4-3-3): Anatoliy Trubin; Leandro Santos, Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Samuel Dahl; Fredrik Aursnes, Leandro Barreiro, Orkun Kokcu; Kerem Akturkoglu, Andreas Schjelderup, Vangelis Pavlidis.
