On the fifth day of the Champions League, Barcelona welcomes Benfica to the Camp Nou in an effort to advance closer to the round of 16. After dropping their first two matches of the year, including a 3-0 loss to the Portuguese team in the reverse match, the Catalans bounced back to overcome Dynamo Kiev and earn all six points.
The team is now two points ahead of the Eagles in second place after they were defeated 9-2 overall on matchdays three and four by league-leading Bayern Munich. The match will also be the first in Europe for Ronald Koeman’s replacement, Xavi, who took over after the Dutchman was fired last month.
Prediction
Barcelona cannot afford to lose any more ground in the Champions League, particularly because their last match is on the road against Bayern Munich.
However, you’d anticipate Barcelona to do much better than losing 3-0 now that Koeman has left and a sense of fresh enthusiasm permeates the team.
Although it will be difficult, the home team should just about secure the three points.
Barcelona will likely defeat Benfica 2-1.
Barcelona vs Benfica Head-To-Head
Benfica won a resounding 3-0 victory at home when the teams met in September, but Barcelona has defeated Benfica twice in their previous five meetings.
Form Guide for Barcelona (all Events): L-D-W-D-W
Benfica Form Guide: D-D-L-W-W (for all contests
Lineup
Benfica
- Vlachodimos
- Verissimo, Otamendi, Vertonghen
- Pizzi, Weigl, Mario, Grimaldo
- Silva, Yaremchuk, Nunez
Barcelona
- Ter Stegen
- Mingueza, Pique, Araujo, Dest
- F. de Jong, Busquets, Pedri
- Coutinho, L. de Jong, Depay
Betting tips
We say: Benfica 1-1 Barcelona
Barcelona is far from at full strength and is not without morale issues either, so even though they picked up a crucial three points over the weekend, this is a more intriguing matchup than it would immediately appear on paper.
One can only speculate as to what a loss would mean for Koeman’s position as manager, but an in-form Benfica will see an opportunity at the Estadio da Luz, a fortress, and are more than capable of securing a deserved point from this match.
Where to watch
UEFA Champions League games may be seen on the Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) in India.