The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League league phase campaign enters its decisive stages as Barcelona travel to the Portuguese capital to face SL Benfica.
This fixture sees 14th in the Champions League league phase at home to third, but there are only three points between them and Benfica will be looking for a huge scalp before the knockout stages.
This is their seventh fixture in Champions League history and it is pertinent to note that the Eagles thumped Barca 3-0 the last time they travelled to the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica have enjoyed some spectacular fortunes in recent years when they won the Primeira Liga title and became the first Portuguese team to reach the UCL quarter-finals twice in a row between 2021/22 and 2022/23.
However, the man behind it all was sacked four games into the current season as Roger Schmidt left following a 1–1 draw away to Moreirense, ending his two-year stint as manager.
Bruno Lage was appointed in his place and his return has been decent so far with six consecutive wins in all competitions including in their two opening games of the Champions League. Although they stayed unbeaten domestically, Benfica lost to both Feyenoord and Bayern Munich before enjoying a thrilling 3-2 victory against ten-man Monaco.
They had recorded their biggest league win against Porto in 60 years with a 4–1 win and the 2-0 away victory against Arouca leaves Benfica five points behind leaders Sporting Lisbon.
Their European fortunes can be better although they are comfortably in 12th and assured of a playoff spot, the Eagles must aim for the automatic Last 16 slots in the top eight and a win against Barcelona would help to drag them closer to that goal.
On the other hand, the Blaugranas are enjoying a renaissance after a meek La Liga title defence that saw Real Madrid triumph with a ten-point gap last term.
Amidst the turmoil of surrendering such a big advantage to their hated rivals, Xavi announced that he would step down as manager come the end of the season. However, he went back on his decision thanks to a strong run of form, but was eventually relieved of his duties in a chaotic turn of events.
Hansi Flick was appointed in his place to become the third German to manage the club, after Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek, and the former Bayern Munich boss has made an instant impact.
Barca won all of their first five league games but suffered a shock loss to Monaco in their first Champions League game. Villarreal and Getafe were their next domestic victims while they bounced back in Europe with a 5-0 thumping of Young Boys.
Their goal-laden victories were a delight to watch, but the Culers showed they can also put in fantastic performances against the best teams, as they ended their winless run against Bayern Munich with a 4-1 win.
That crucial result was followed by another in a 4-0 thrashing away at Real Madrid, announcing Barca’s readiness to challenge on all fronts this season. Meanwhile, their final game before the November international break ended in a 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad which started a three-game winless run in the league.
A 5-1 victory over Mallorca returned them to winning ways and four points clear at the top of the La Liga table, while a UCL Last 16 place is now in their hands after five matches.
Flick’s side must keep up their scintillating performances, with an emphasis on aggressive pressing and a very high defensive line helping to squeeze life out of opponents. Those fearsome attacking qualities will descend on Benfica with the confidence that they can return with all three points.
Although they should make some changes to their usual team, Barca will be keen to secure a result that edges them over the finish line of automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
Match tickets
This Champions League matchday 7 fixture takes place on Tuesday, 21 January 2025 with kick-off scheduled for 8 PM UK time. It promises to be a memorable occasion, with match tickets now available for sale on the website of each individual club and priority access given to club members and season ticket holders.
This heavyweight clash will be played at the Estadio da Luz where over 64,500 will be seated to take in a classic European tie. Fans of both sides will be keen to witness the action, and seats could get sold out quickly.
Keen supporters are advised to get their Benfica vs Barcelona match tickets on a resale site, where non-season ticket holders can also help themselves to any Barcelona tickets from the whole of this season.
Team news
Tiago Gouveia, Gianluca Prestianni and Renato Sanches are Benfica’s only injured players at the time of writing.
Barcelona are having to deal with an extensive list of injuries that involves Marc Bernal, Ansu Fati, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Line-ups
Benfica have settled into a 4-3-3 shape under Lage, with the veteran Angel Di Maria remaining a key cog in their attack having delivered nine goals and five assists this season.
They will look to hurt Barca’s famous high defensive line but that is easier said than done given the Catalans will be dynamic and aggressive.
Benfica: Trubin; Bah, Otamendi, Araujo, Carreras; Florentino, Kokcu, Aursnes; Di Maria, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu
The Blaugrana have been relying on Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez this season in central defence, with the likes of Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez also stepping up admirably amidst injuries elsewhere.
Barcelona: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Casado; Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Prediction
This is a tough test of Benfica’s continental chances this season considering Barca have been one of the best sides in Europe’s top five leagues. The Eagles must put in a tactically disciplined display but should be ready to take the flurry of chances that will inevitably come their way.
Meanwhile, Flick’s side are confident of their ability in front of goal and are favourites to get the job done here. A high scoring encounter awaits.
Benfica 2-3 Barcelona
Lennox