Explore our detailed preview for Barcelona vs Benfica in the Champions League. Key stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 17:45 GMT match.
Match Details
Fixture: Barcelona vs Benfica
Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona
First Leg Result: Benfica 0-1 Barcelona
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Match Overview
Barcelona hold a narrow 1-0 lead heading into the second leg after Raphinha’s second-half goal secured victory in Lisbon. Despite playing most of the match with 10 men following Pau Cubarsí’s early red card, the Catalan side showed defensive resilience to protect their advantage. Benfica now face the challenge of overturning the deficit at a stadium where Barcelona have been dominant this season.
Our Predictions for Barcelona vs Benfica
Predicted Score: Barcelona 2-0 Benfica (Barcelona advance 3-0 on aggregate)
Betting tips
Barcelona to Win
Under 2.5 Goals
Robert Lewandowski to Score Anytime
Barcelona’s home record and strong form should see them comfortably through to the quarter-finals. Benfica may struggle to create enough chances to trouble the Spanish side.
Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches: 11
Barcelona Wins: 5
Benfica Wins: 2
Draws: 4
Recent Meetings
Benfica 0-1 Barcelona (March 5, 2025, UCL Round of 16 First Leg)
Benfica 4-5 Barcelona (January 21, 2025, UCL League Phase)
Barcelona 0-0 Benfica (November 23, 2021, UCL Group Stage)
Benfica 3-0 Barcelona (September 29, 2021, UCL Group Stage)
Benfica 0-2 Barcelona (October 2, 2012, UCL Group Stage)
Team Form
Barcelona – Last Five Matches
Win – Benfica 0-1 Barcelona (Champions League)
Win – Barcelona 4-0 Real Sociedad (La Liga)
Draw – Barcelona 4-4 Atlético Madrid (Copa del Rey, eliminated on away goals)
Win – Las Palmas 0-2 Barcelona (La Liga)
Win – Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)
Barcelona have been in top form, winning seven of their last eight matches. They have also remained unbeaten in 2025, showing both defensive solidity and attacking firepower.
Benfica – Last Five Matches
Win -Benfica 3-0 Nacional (Primeira Liga)
Loss – Benfica 0-1 Barcelona (Champions League)
Win – Benfica 1-0 Braga (Portuguese Cup)
Win – Benfica 3-0 Boavista (Primeira Liga)
Draw – Benfica 3-3 Monaco (Champions League, advanced 4-3 on aggregate)
Benfica’s attack has been productive in domestic competitions, but they have struggled against top-tier opposition in Europe, particularly away from home.
Tactical Breakdown
Barcelona (4-3-3)
Key Strengths:
Strong home form in Europe
Control of possession through midfield dominance
Effective pressing and quick transitions
Key Weaknesses:
Occasional defensive vulnerabilities on the counter
Reliance on Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha for goals
Barcelona will likely control possession and aim to break down Benfica’s defensive setup with quick passing and width. They will look to Raphinha’s creativity and Lewandowski’s finishing to finish the tie early.
Benfica (4-2-3-1)
Key Strengths:
Strong defensive structure
Quick counter-attacks and pressing
Set-piece threat
Key Weaknesses:
Struggles in high-pressure away games
Lack of composure in finishing against top opposition
Benfica must find a way to break through Barcelona’s defence, likely relying on set-pieces and quick counter-attacks. They have players who can cause the home side's defence problems in the shape of Kerem Aktürkoglu and Andreas Schjelderup but have the daunting task of attempting to stop the Catalans from scoring.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny
Defenders: Jules Koundé, Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde
Defenders: Thomas Araujo, Nicolás Otamendi, António Silva, Alvaro Fernandez
Midfielders: Leandro Barreiro, Fredrik Aursnes, Orkun Kökçü
Forward: Kerem Aktürkoglu, Vangelis Pavlidis, Andreas Schjelderup
Note: Lineups are subject to change based on fitness and final team selections.
What to Expect
Barcelona to control possession and tempo. Benfica will likely sit deep and look for counter-attacking opportunities.
Set-piece opportunities for Benfica. They may look to exploit Barcelona’s occasional weaknesses in aerial duels.
Early pressure from Barcelona. Expect them to push for an early goal to settle the tie.
Key Players to Watch
Barcelona – Raphinha - Scored the winner in the first leg and has been one of Barcelona’s top European performers this season. His ability to create and finish will be crucial.
Benfica – Kerem Aktürkoglu - The Turkish winger has been a key player for the Eagles this season, scoring 13 goals and producing eight assists, including scoring a crucial goal in the play-off against Monaco.
