Match Preview: Benfica vs Barcelona (Champions League)

Fixture: Benfica vs Barcelona

Competition: UEFA Champions League (League Phase, Matchday 7)

Date: Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Kick-Off: 20:00 CET

Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon

This UEFA Champions League clash sees Benfica host Barcelona in a high-stakes encounter at the iconic Estádio da Luz. Benfica, sitting 15th in the standings with 10 points, are fighting to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. Meanwhile, Barcelona, already qualified and in 2nd place with 15 points, are aiming to consolidate their momentum ahead of the next round. Expect a blend of urgency from Benfica and tactical control from Barcelona in this compelling fixture.

• W 4-0 vs. Famalicão (Liga Porutgal)
• W 3-1 vs. Farense (Portuguese Cup)
• L 1-2 vs. Braga (Liga Portugal)
• L 0-1 vs. Sporting CP (Liga Portugal)
• W 3-0 vs. Estoril (Liga Portugal)
  

Overview: Benfica has showcased moments of brilliance, particularly in their wins over Estoril and Nacional. However, their inability to maintain consistency against stronger sides like Sporting and Braga highlights vulnerabilities in key moments.

• W 1-1 vs Getafe (La Liga)
• W 5-1 vs. Real Betis (Copa del Rey)
• W 5-2 vs. Real Madrid (Supercopa Final)
• W 2-0 vs. Athletic Bilbao (Supercopa Semi-final)
• L 1-2 vs. Atlético Madrid (La Liga)

Overview: Barcelona has rebounded strongly after two La Liga losses, demolishing their opponents in the domestic cups. Their potent attack, led by Lewandowski and Raphinha, has been the highlight, but defensive injuries remain a concern.

• Total Matches: 9
• Benfica Wins: 2
• Barcelona Wins: 3
• Draws: 4
• Goals: Benfica 7 – Barcelona 8

Recent Meetings: 2021/22 UCL Group Stage:

• Benfica 3-0 Barcelona (Lisbon)
• Barcelona 0-0 Benfica (Camp Nou)
  

Formation: 4-3-3

Key Strengths:

• Structured defence bolstered by Otamendi and Silva.
• Quick transitions through Ángel Di María’s creativity and Alexander Bah’s overlaps.

Key Weaknesses:

• Struggles to handle sustained pressure from elite teams.
• Inconsistency in finishing chances during crucial moments.
  

Formation: 4-3-3

Key Strengths:

• Dominance in possession, led by Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
• Clinical finishing from Lewandowski, complemented by Raphinha’s wing play.

Key Weaknesses:

• Defensive vulnerabilities due to key injuries.
• Occasional lapses during transitions, especially when under counter-attacks.
  

• Ángel Di María: The veteran playmaker remains a creative hub, capable of decisive contributions in tight games.
• Alexander Bah: Provides width and pace, which is crucial for stretching Barcelona’s defensive line.
  

• Robert Lewandowski: With 7 UCL goals this season, he is Barcelona’s main goal-scoring threat.
• Frenkie de Jong: Dictates the tempo from midfield and connects the defensive and attacking phases seamlessly.
  

• Renato Sanches: Thigh injury, out until late March.
• Tiago Gouveia: Doubtful with a shoulder injury.
• Angel Di Maria: Doubtful due to a muscle issue.
  

• Marc-André ter Stegen: Season-ending patellar tendon injury.
• Iñigo Martínez: Muscle injury, return mid-February.
• Andreas Christensen: Achilles injury, long-term absence.
  

• Win Probability: Barcelona: 75.5%
• Benfica’s Home Record vs Spanish Clubs: W4 D5 L5.
• Barcelona’s Away Record vs Portuguese Clubs: W6 D3 L5.
  

Barcelona’s superior quality in attack and midfield control should prove decisive against a Benfica side struggling for consistency. While Benfica’s home support may inspire a spirited performance, the visitors’ firepower is likely to prevail.

Predicted Scoreline: Benfica 1-2 Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski has scored seven goals in 6 career appearances against Benfica, including a hat-trick for Bayern Munich in a 5-2 victory during the 2021/22 group stage.

Expect a competitive battle in Lisbon as Barcelona aims to extend their dominance and Benfica fights to stay alive in the competition.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.