Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will look to secure their sixth win of the Champions League campaign when they square up against Benfica in Lisbon.
Barcelona will be looking to return to winning ways when they resume their UEFA Champions League campaign with an away fixture against SL Benfica, who will be aiming to script an upset and push for a top-eight finish.
The home team are 15th on the UEFA Champions League table with 10 points in their six outings. The Portuguese giants are three points behind eighth-placed LOSC Lille, and a win here can certainly increase their chances of finishing in a direct qualification spot.
While they were off to a flying start, Benfica have only won one out of their last Champions League games. However, Bruno Lage’s men are heading into this fixture on the back of a 4-0 win over FC Famalicao in the Primeira Liga, and they will be confident of their chances.
The visitors started 2025 in fine fashion by winning the Spanish Super Cup and thrashing Real Madrid 5-2 in the final. However, they once again dropped points in La Liga in their last outing. The 1-1 draw against Getafe did not help their cause, and the Blaugrana will be eager to return to winning ways.
Barcelona have been a force to reckon with in the Champions League with five wins in six games. They are second on the points table and will be looking to cement their spot at the very top as it will result in a favourable draw in the round of 16. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Benfica
The home team will be without the services of Tiago Gouveia and Renato Sanches. Meanwhile, former Real Madrid superstar Angel Di Maria’s availability is a major doubt. But, he might still make it to the bench.
Benfica will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where Anatoliy Trubin is expected to take charge in goal. The back four should be made up of Alexander Bah, Tomas Araujo, Nicolas Otamendi and Alvaro Carreras.
In the centre of the park, Florentino Luis will partner with Orkun Kokcu and Fredrik Aursnes. The trio will have a tough day at the office as they will look to ensure that Barcelona do not end up dictating the pace of the game.
Zeki Amdouni and Kerem Akturkoglu will feature on the flanks providing width to their attacks, while Vangelis Pavlidis will be leading the line for SL Benfica against Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Trubin; Bah, Araujo, Otamendi, Fernandez; Aursnes, Florentino, Kokcu; Amdouni, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu
Barcelona
The visitors will remain without the services of Inigo Martinez, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marc Bernal. Meanwhile, Dani Omlo picked up a muscular issue last time out, and he will not be a part of this fixture.
Apart from the quartet, everyone else is available for selection. Hansi Flick will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Inaki Pena will be in goal. In the heart of the defence, Ronald Araujo should partner Pau Cubarsi. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde should continue as the full-backs.
In midfield, Pedri will form the double pivot with Marc Casado. The duo will shield the backline and look to control the tempo. Gavi should continue in the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal on the flanks. Veteran star Robert Lewandowski should continue to lead the line for Barcelona against SL Benfica.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Key Stats
- Barcelona have a slight edge in head-to-head records as they have won three of their nine games while Benfica only have two wins. (D4)
- Barcelona have failed to win any of the last three games against Benfica. (D2 L1)
- The last outing between the two teams took place during the 2021/22 season, and it ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
- Barcelona’s last trip to Lisbon ended in a 3-0 defeat.
- Hansi Flick’s team have been unbeaten in their last five outings across competitions. (W4 D1)
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal
Despite all the stars that Barcelona have in their squad, this 17-year-old takes away all the limelight every time he steps on the field. Yamal has 22 goal contributions in his 25 outings, and he has been their most influential player in the final third. The teenage sensation will certainly have a big say on the final result of this fixture.
Prediction
SL Benfica 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona might be heading into this fixture on the back of a disappointing draw against Getafe, but their overall form suggests they should go past Benfica without much difficulty. The home team are heading into this fixture on the back of a dominant display and they will be eyeing an upset but it might not go their way. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for the visitors.
