Barcelona travels to Lisbon to face Benfica on Tuesday night in a crucial Champions League league-phase clash. While the Catalans are nearly assured of a place in the round of 16, Benfica is fighting to secure a top-eight spot in the standings.
Match Details
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal
- Stadium: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica
- Date: Tuesday, January 21
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
- VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
Current Form
Benfica
- Benfica 4-0 Famalicao (17/01/25)
- Farense 1-3 Benfica (14/01/25)
- Sporting CP 1-1 (6-7p) Benfica (11/01/25)
- Benfica 3-0 Braga (08/01/25)
- Benfica 1-2 Braga (04/01/25)
Barcelona
- Getafe 1-1 Barcelona (18/01/25)
- Barcelona 5-1 Real Betis (15/01/25)
- Real Madrid 2-5 Barcelona (12/01/25)
- Athletic Club 0-2 Barcelona (08/01/25)
- Barbastro 0-4 Barcelona (04/01/25)
Team News
Benfica
Bruno Lage’s side heads into this clash with a few injury concerns. Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun remains out with a shoulder injury, while young forward George Ilenikhena is sidelined with a muscle problem. Wilfried Singo and Denis Zakaria are doubtful after missing their recent win against Famalicao.
Predicted Benfica Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Majecki
- DEF: Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Henrique
- MID: Camara, Magassa
- FWD: Akliouche, Golovin, Ben Seghir
- ST: Embolo
Barcelona
Marc Casado, who was substituted against Getafe, is fit and available for selection, while Eric Garcia also travels despite transfer rumors linking him to Girona. Dani Olmo remains sidelined with a muscle injury, and the team is without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Inigo Martinez due to injuries.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Pena
- DEF: Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde
- MID: Casado, De Jong
- FWD: Fermin, Gavi, Ferran
- ST: Lewandowski
Match Analysis
Barcelona has been dominant in the Champions League, winning five consecutive matches after losing their opener to Monaco. With their place in the round of 16 nearly secure, Hansi Flick may rotate his squad, providing opportunities for fringe players to shine.
Benfica, however, is in desperate need of points. Sitting 15th in the league phase table, they will rely on home support and their attacking threats to challenge Barcelona. The Portuguese side is in decent form domestically, but their inconsistency in Europe has left them in a precarious position.
Score Prediction
Barcelona’s depth and quality make them favorites, but their potential rotation and Benfica’s urgency for a result could lead to an exciting contest. The home side is likely to take advantage of any complacency from the visitors, making a draw a plausible outcome.
Prediction: Benfica 2-2 Barcelona
