Barcelona vs. Benfica | Champions League | Round of 16 | 2nd Leg | Pre Match
Barcelona vs. Benfica
Barcelona will look to defend a narrow first-leg lead when they welcome Portuguese giants Benfica to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for Tuesday's return leg of their Champions League last-16 clash. The Catalan side, affectionately known as the Blaugrana, enters this pivotal encounter with a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, a result that came under challenging circumstances at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. That match saw Barcelona reduced to 10 men early on after young defender Pau Cubarsi received a straight red card, forcing the team to dig deep defensively while capitalizing on limited attacking opportunities. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barcelona showcased their resilience, with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny delivering a standout performance by making eight crucial saves to preserve a clean sheet. Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Raphinha proved to be the difference-maker, scoring the lone goal that sealed a hard-fought victory and extended Barcelona’s unbeaten run to an impressive 16 competitive matches since their last defeat, a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid in December. Now, as they return to their temporary home at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys—where they’ve been playing while the iconic Camp Nou undergoes renovations—Barcelona will aim to protect their lead and secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals for the second consecutive season, a feat that would underline their resurgence in European football under their current management.
The Blaugrana are looking to reach the quarter-finals in back-to-back Champions League campaigns, while the visitors want to advance to the last eight for the third time in four seasons. For Barcelona, this match represents more than just a chance to progress; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their mental fortitude amid a tumultuous period off the pitch. The club has been grappling with the emotional aftermath of the tragic death of their first-team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia, an event that led to the postponement of their scheduled La Liga home match against Osasuna on Saturday. Club president Joan Laporta publicly expressed the depth of the loss, admitting that the Blaugrana are in a "state of shock" following the sad news. This tragedy has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations, with the players and coaching staff coming together to honor Garcia’s memory by holding a minute’s silence ahead of Sunday’s training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Despite the somber mood, Barcelona must quickly shift their focus to the task at hand, knowing that Benfica will arrive in Catalonia determined to overturn the deficit. The Portuguese side, managed by Bruno Lage, expressed their solidarity with Barcelona, with Lage himself sending condolences after his team’s 3-0 league win over Nacional on Saturday. This gesture of sportsmanship highlights the respect between the two clubs, but it will do little to soften Benfica’s resolve as they chase a result that would keep their European dreams alive.
Barcelona have not played since last week's trip to Lisbon after Saturday's La Liga home match was postponed following the tragic death of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, with club president Joan Laporta stating that the Blaugrana are in a "state of shock" following the sad news. The lack of competitive action over the weekend could prove to be a double-edged sword for Barcelona as they approach this decisive Champions League encounter. On one hand, the break may have allowed the squad some much-needed rest after a grueling schedule, giving key players like Robert Lewandowski—who was rested due to minor physical discomfort for the postponed Osasuna game—time to recover fully and prepare to lead the line on Tuesday. On the other hand, the absence of a match could disrupt their rhythm, especially given the emotional toll of recent events. Still, Barcelona will draw confidence from their performance in the first leg, where they demonstrated their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. With Cubarsi suspended for the return leg, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is expected to step into the central defensive role, partnering with the likes of Inigo Martinez or Jules Kounde to form a robust backline. Meanwhile, the return of young midfielder Gavi to the squad, after missing the first leg due to illness, provides a boost, even if he’s likely to start on the bench. Barcelona’s preparation has been far from ideal, but their unbeaten streak and strong home form—having won five of their last seven competitive matches at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys—suggest they have the tools to navigate these difficult circumstances and secure progression.
The players and coaching staff held a minute's silence ahead of Sunday's training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, while Benfica boss Bruno Lage sent his condolences to Barcelona following Saturday's 3-0 win over Nacional. For Benfica, the challenge is clear: they must score at least once in Barcelona to have any hope of advancing, and they’ll need to do so against a side that has kept clean sheets in their last three home meetings with the Portuguese club. The Eagles, as Benfica are known, were left frustrated after the first leg, where they failed to capitalize on their man advantage despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances. That defeat marked their second home loss to Barcelona this season, following a thrilling 5-4 defeat in the league phase in January, a match that showcased both teams’ attacking prowess but also exposed Benfica’s defensive vulnerabilities. Lage’s side bounced back emphatically in domestic action, however, with a convincing 3-0 victory over Nacional in the Primeira Liga. Goals from Zeki Amdouni, Orkun Kokcu, and Vangelis Pavlidis underscored Benfica’s attacking depth, and that result saw them draw level on points with Sporting Lisbon at the top of the league table. This resurgence in form highlights their ability to respond to setbacks, a trait they’ll need to rely on as they face an uphill battle in Catalonia. Benfica’s recent European away record offers some hope, with victories in their last three Champions League road games against Monaco, Juventus, and another win over Monaco in the knockout playoffs. However, their historical struggles against Spanish sides—winning just two of 13 competitive away matches against La Liga teams—temper expectations, making this a daunting task.
Barcelona will try their best to prepare for Tuesday's Champions League clash in difficult circumstances, with the hosts holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg despite playing around 70 minutes with 10 men following Pau Cubarsi's early red card at Estadio da Luz. The injury situation further complicates matters for Barcelona, with key defender Andreas Christensen sidelined until April due to a calf issue, joining goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and midfielder Marc Bernal on the long-term absentee list with knee injuries. Despite these setbacks, Barcelona’s squad depth and tactical flexibility under manager Hansi Flick have been key to their success this season. The return of Lewandowski to full fitness will be critical, as his goal-scoring instincts could prove decisive in a match where Benfica are likely to push forward in search of an equalizer. On the Benfica side, the absence of players like Angel Di Maria—who has been out for six matchday squads with an injury—along with Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, and Tiago Gouveia, limits their options. Additionally, January signing Bruma is ineligible for the knockout phase, and Alvaro Carreras will miss out due to a suspension. Lage is expected to recall the likes of Leandro Barreiro, Kerem Akturkoglu, Andreas Schjelderup, and Pavlidis after rotating his squad at the weekend, signaling an all-out approach to overturn the deficit. With Barcelona’s strong home record against Benfica (unbeaten in all four previous encounters at home) and Benfica’s poor track record in Champions League knockout ties after losing the first leg (five losses in six), the odds favor the hosts, but the emotional and physical stakes ensure this will be a fiercely contested battle until the final whistle.
