Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Getting their Champions League adventure underway on Tuesday night, Barcelona will travel to Lisbon when they meet Benfica.
Benfica
Starting with the hosts, while Benfica might have found themselves at the heart of a minor rut on either side of opening the New Year, the Eagles have come roaring back. Last seen over the weekend putting in a dominant display as they breezed their way to a 4-0 romp at home against Famalicao, Bruno Lage’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Extending on their Taco de Portugal adventure on January 14th as they secured a 3-1 victory against Farense, the former Wolves boss has seen his squad win each of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Laying down a major marker last month as they secured a thumping 3-0 win against Braga, Benfica should also be excited by their extended success on home soil. It should be highlighted, Lage’s side have suffered just s single defeat in Lisbon since the end of October.
Benfica Team News
Missing out at home against Famalicao over the weekend with a knock, Benfica are sweating over the fitness of former Real Madrid superstar Angel Di Maria. Likewise, not featuring since the end of August, academy graduate Tiago Gouveia remains on the sidelines and will play no part here.
While Leandro Barreiro might have bagged a sensational hat-trick in Lisbon on Friday night, the Luxembourg international might have to settle for a spot on the bench. One-time Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi will start at the back.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have continued to shine since returning from November’s international break, Hansi Flick’s side have seen their La Liga title ambitions take a major dent. Eventually forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Getafe last weekend, it appears that the Spanish giants might have all of their eggs placed in the european basket in 2025. Crowned Super Cup champions over in the Middle East on January 12th as they claimed a sensational 5-2 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona have enjoyed a stellar european charge this season. Mustering 15 points from their six Champions League appearances so far this season, Flick’s men will be looking to book their quarter-final ticket with a statement on foreign soil. It should also be noted, the former Bayern Munich boss has not seen his squad suffer a single defeat on their travels since returning from November’s international break.
Barcelona Team News
Not expected to feature over the remainder of the season after suffering a long-term knee injury back in September, German goalkeeper Marc-Andre her Stegen remains on the sidelines. Likewise, former Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez is dealing with a hamstring injury and will not play any part on Tuesday night.
Notching seven Champions League goals in his six european appearances this season, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski will lead the line here. Recording three strikes in his last four outings, 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will partner Lewandowski in the final third.
Benfica vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Benfica last welcomed Barcelona Ito Lisbon back in September 2021, the Eagles claimed a famous 3-0 victory.
- Tuesday’s hosts have won each of their previous four consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Barcelona have suffered just a single defeat outside of Catalonia since the end of September.
- Benfica’s last four home victories have produced 13 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Four of Barcelona’s last six showdowns away from the Nou Camp have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Barcelona might have been crowned Super Cup champions last month as they secured a sensational 5-2 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Flick’s side could have a tough challenge on their hands in midweek. Despite mustering 15 points from their first six Champions League appearances, Tuesday’s guests will be concerned by their most recent trip to Benfica. Falling to a 3-0 drumming when they last travelled to Lisbon back in September 2021, we could be treated to an enjoyable affair here.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
