Barcelona vs. Benfica – Champions League 2024/2025 Round of 16 Clash

 

Football fans are in for a spectacular showdown as Barcelona takes on Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The second leg of this tie will be played at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, with both teams fighting for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Will Barcelona capitalize on their home advantage, or can Benfica pull off an upset? Let’s break down all the key details of this exciting encounter.

Match Details

• Competition: UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 – Round of 16 (Second Leg)
• Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 18:45 CET
• Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
• Broadcast Channels:
  • Cosmote Sport 8 HD
  • Arena Sport 4 HD Serbia
  • Sport TV5 Portugal

Team Market Values

Barcelona and Benfica come into this match with significant financial disparities, yet both clubs have built competitive squads.

• FC Barcelona: €800 million
  With a history of nurturing young talent and signing world-class players, Barcelona remains one of Europe’s most valuable clubs.

• SL Benfica: €300 million
  Benfica is known for developing top talents and selling them for huge profits. Despite their lower market value, they remain a formidable force.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams boast talented individuals who can make the difference in a high-stakes game.

FC Barcelona

• Robert Lewandowski (€50M) – The Polish striker is still one of the best goal-scorers in the world.
• Pedri (€80M) – The midfield magician is crucial in Barcelona’s build-up play.
• Lamine Yamal (€60M) – At just 16, this young winger is already making waves in European football.

SL Benfica

• Vangelis Pavlidis (€25M) – The Greek forward has been in red-hot form.
• Kerem Aktürkoglu (€20M) – The Turkish international is Benfica’s creative spark on the wing.
• Florentino Luís (€30M) – A defensive midfielder who controls the tempo of the game.

Team News & Line-ups

FC Barcelona

Injuries & Suspensions:

• Pau Cubarsí (suspended) – Misses out due to a red card in the first leg.
• Andreas Christensen (injury) – The Danish defender is unavailable.
• Marc Bernal (injury) – Another key player missing from Barcelona’s squad.

Expected Line-up:

• Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny
• Defenders: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Íñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde
• Midfielders: Marc Casadó, Pedri, Dani Olmo
• Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha

SL Benfica

Injuries & Suspensions:

• Álvaro Carreras (injury) – Will not feature.
• Manu Silva (ACL injury) – Ruled out for the season.
• Renato Sanches (thigh injury) – Yet to return to full fitness.
• Ángel Di María (doubtful) – A crucial player who could be a game-changer if fit.

Expected Line-up:

• Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
• Defenders: Tomás Araújo, Nicolás Otamendi, António Silva, Alejandro Grimaldo
• Midfielders: Orkun Kökçü, Florentino Luís, André Almeida
• Forwards: Kerem Aktürkoglu, Vangelis Pavlidis, Bruma

Tactical Battle: Barcelona’s Attack vs. Benfica’s Counterplay

Barcelona’s Game Plan

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will rely on quick passing, high pressing, and dominant possession. Their attacking trio of Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Yamal will look to break down Benfica’s defensive structure.

Benfica’s Strategy

Bruno Lage will set up Benfica to defend deep and strike on the counter. The Portuguese side will depend on Pavlidis and Aktürkoglu to exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line.

Key Battles to Watch

1. Lewandowski vs. Otamendi – A battle of experience, with the Polish striker testing Benfica’s veteran defender.
2. Pedri vs. Florentino Luís – Whoever wins this midfield battle could control the tempo of the game.
3. Yamal vs. Grimaldo – Can the young Barcelona winger outplay the experienced Benfica full-back?

Form Guide & Recent Performances

FC Barcelona

• Last 5 Games: ✅ ✅ ⚖️ ❌ ✅
• Last UCL Match: 1-0 win vs. Benfica (First Leg)

SL Benfica

• Last 5 Games: ⚖️ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌
• Last UCL Match: 0-1 loss vs. Barcelona (First Leg)

Barcelona has been more consistent, but Benfica will be determined to fight back.

Can Benfica Upset Barcelona?

Barcelona is the favorite to win, but Benfica has a history of surprising big teams. If they can defend well and capitalize on counterattacks, they have a chance to turn the tie around.

Match Prediction

Barcelona has the advantage, but Benfica will put up a strong fight.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Benfica (Barcelona advances 3-1 on aggregate).

Conclusion

The Champions League never disappoints, and this Barcelona vs. Benfica clash promises excitement, drama, and high-quality football. Will Barcelona cruise into the quarter-finals, or will Benfica pull off a shock result? Tune in to find out!

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FAQs

1. What was the score in the first leg?

Barcelona won 1-0 in Lisbon, thanks to a goal from Raphinha.

2. Where can I watch the match live?

You can watch it on Cosmote Sport 8 HD, Arena Sport 4 HD Serbia, and Sport TV5 Portugal.

3. Will Ángel Di María play for Benfica?

Di María is doubtful due to a muscle injury, but he may still make the squad.

4. What happens if the match ends in a draw?

If Barcelona wins or draws, they advance. If Benfica wins by one goal, the match goes to extra time.

5. Who is the referee for the match?

The official referee has yet to be confirmed, but UEFA will appoint an experienced referee for this crucial tie.