Barcelona and Benfica face off at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Barcelona holds a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, thanks to a goal from the in-form Raphinha. The home side is unbeaten in their last 16 matches across all competitions and aims to keep this streak alive to advance to the quarter-finals.

The match sees Barcelona as the bookmaker’s favourite, supported by stellar recent form, conceding only once in the last five matches. Expect a tactical setup with Wojciech Szczęsny in goal, who played a crucial role in Lisbon. However, they will miss key players Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Andreas Christensen due to injuries, and Pau Cubarsi due to suspension.

On the other hand, Benfica must secure a two-goal victory to advance. Despite recent better performances, winning four out of their last five games, the challenge remains uphill. Coach Bruno Lage will have to cope without Álvaro Fernández, who is also suspended, and a few injured players.

With overcast clouds and cool temperatures forecasted for the evening, it will be an intense encounter.

Match Tips:

• Barcelona to win based on their impressive form.
• Expect goals, as Barcelona has scored in 15 consecutive matches in this tournament.
• Raphinha’s form will be key, with 9 goals in 9 tournament matches.
• Szczęsny’s goalkeeping can be crucial for Barcelona.

Recommended bet: Barcelona to win.

Barcelona vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tip

Our betting tip for this encounter is to back Barcelona to win. Here’s why: Barcelona have been on an incredible run, having remained unbeaten in their last 16 games across all competitions. They have scored in 15 consecutive Champions League matches, showcasing their attacking prowess. Additionally, Raphinha’s form has been electric, with 9 goals in 9 tournament appearances.

• Momentum: Barcelona are unbeaten in 16 matches, making them a formidable opponent.
• Goal Scoring Form: They have scored in 15 consecutive Champions League matches.
• Key Player Contribution: Raphinha is in fine form with 9 goals in this tournament.

Barcelona vs Benfica Odds

Barcelona, the bookmakers’ favourite, are currently priced at 1.34 to win the match, reflecting their impressive form and better home advantage. A draw is seen as less likely with odds of 5.74, while Benfica, who need a two-goal victory to advance, are priced at 7.69 for the win.

Barcelona’s unbeaten streak of 16 matches adds to their appeal as favourites. Benfica’s odds signify a tough challenge ahead.

Barcelona Team Analysis

Barcelona has been on an impressive run with a recent form of WDWWW.

Barcelona has scored an average of 2.40 goals in their last 5 games and maintained 4 clean sheets, demonstrating both solid defense and consistent attack. Despite some injury woes, their depth and talent have kept them in peak form. The absence of key players like Ter Stegen has been effectively covered by Szczęsny and the squad’s robust defensive unit.

Barcelona Key Players

Barcelona will rely heavily on their top performers to continue their impressive run in the Champions League. Key players include:

• Raphinha: The top scorer with 9 goals in the tournament. His ability to create and convert chances will be vital.
• Robert Lewandowski: Despite recent muscle issues, he is set to play. His presence and goal-scoring prowess (34 goals in 38 matches this season) add undeniable strength.
• Pedri and Frenkie de Jong: Their control in midfield will dictate Barcelona’s tempo and creativity. Expected lineup for Barcelona:
• Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Alex Balde
• Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo
• Attackers: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries

Barcelona will face some notable absences due to injuries and suspensions, which might impact their dynamics in the match.

These absences could affect Barcelona’s defensive solidity, particularly with the suspension of Cubarsí and injuries to key players like Ter Stegen and Christensen. However, Barcelona will be counting on the depth of their squad to overcome these challenges and maintain their better form.

Barcelona Tactics and Formation

Barcelona Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Robert Lewandowski
• Midfield Core: Frenkie De Jong, Pedri
• Defensive Stability: Four clean sheets in the last five games.

Crucial Strategy: Maintaining possession and exploiting the wings. Despite the absence of some key players, Hansi Flick will stick to his preferred formation of 4-2-3-1. Lewandowski, who has been confirmed fit, will spearhead the attack. Pedri and De Jong will anchor the midfield, providing both defensive cover and creative support. Barcelona’s defense will aim to remain solid despite notable injuries, relying on Ter Stegen’s form and better wing-back play from Kounde and Balde to maintain their impressive defensive record.

Benfica Team Analysis

Benfica has been on a commendable run recently, with four wins and one draw in their last five matches. The only hiccup came in their recent defeat to Barcelona.

They have been potent offensively, averaging 2.00 goals per game. Their defense has been solid as well, securing three clean sheets during this period. This marks them as a formidable force coming into this Champions League encounter.

Benfica Key Players

Key players for Benfica include top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis, who has netted two goals in the tournament so far. Pavlidis will be crucial in breaking through a well-organised Barcelona defence. Andreas Schjelderup and Kerem Aktürkoglu offer creativity and pace on the wings, essential for providing assists and stretching Barcelona’s backline.

Expected lineup for Benfica:

• Goalkeeper: Anatolii Trubin
• Defenders: Tomas Araújo, António Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Samuel Dahl
• Midfielders: Orkun Kökcü, Fredrik Aursnes, Leandro Barreiro
• Attackers: Andreas Schjelderup, Kerem Aktürkoglu, Vangelis Pavlidis

Individual battles such as Pavlidis vs. Ronald Araújo could have a significant impact on the match’s outcome.

Benfica Suspensions & Injuries

Benfica will be missing a few key players, which could impact their game plan against Barcelona. The absences of Tiago Gouveia and Angel Di Maria might hinder their wing play, while the suspension of Álvaro Fernández adds a challenge to their defensive stability. Bruno Lage may need to adjust his tactics to compensate for these losses, potentially altering the dynamics of Benfica’s approach.

Benfica Tactics and Formation

Benfica’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis, who has scored 2 goals in the last five games.
• Midfield Duo: Orkun Kökcü and Fredrik Aursnes, providing both defensive stability and transitional play.
• Wing Play: Andreas Schjelderup and Kerem Aktürkoglu on the wings to stretch Barcelona’s defense.
• Defensive Structure: Antonio Silva and Nicolas Otamendi form the center-back pairing, supported by full-backs Tomas Araújo and Samuel Dahl.
• Notable Strategy: Expecting Benfica to attack aggressively, needing a two-goal margin to advance.

Given their need for goals, Benfica will likely opt for an attacking approach while balancing defensive duties through their solid midfield and backline.

Barcelona vs Benfica Head-to-Head Statistics

Barcelona and Benfica have faced each other five times recently, with Barcelona holding a slight edge thanks to their two victories, including the most recent 1-0 win away. These encounters have been tight and competitive but often low-scoring, with only two games seeing more than two goals scored. This history suggests a cautious approach might be in order, though Benfica’s need for a two-goal win could open the game up.