Benfica Vs. Barcelona Prediction: Fierce Duel At Estadio Da Luz, Blaugrana Ladeni Resistance As Guias

The exciting match will be presented at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday 6 March morning WIB when Benfica host Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League last 16. The two teams had previously met in the league stage which resulted in nine goals in one game, with Barcelona coming out as winners with a score of 5-4. Now, Benfica is determined to avenge the defeat in front of his own supporters.

Barcelona, who appeared impressive throughout the league phase, became the team with the highest goal productivity in the group round by scoring 28 goals in eight matches. Meanwhile, Benfica had to go through the playoffs after finishing in 16th place in the league phase and eliminating AS Monaco with a 4-3 aggregate.

Barcelona came into this match with a positive trend. Hansi Flick's men were unbeaten in 2025 and had just destroyed Real Sociedad 4-0 in La Liga. The win extended their unbeaten record to 15 games in all competitions. In addition, they also performed outstandingly in terms of scoring goals, scoring two goals or more in 11 of their last 12 matches.

On the other hand, Benfica is also in his best form. The Portuguese club has been unbeaten in the last eight games in all competitions, with a record of seven wins and one draw. They are currently competing with Sporting Lisbon at the top of Primeira Liga and have also stepped into the semifinals of Taca de Portugal after eliminating Braga.

This match will certainly be exciting, given As Guias, Benfica's nickname has always been an entertaining team in the Champions League this season, with 35 goals created in their 10 matches in this competition.

Benfica will lose several key players, including Florentino, who suffered a thigh injury and had to miss this match. In addition, they also cannot be strengthened by Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, Tiago Gouveia, and Renato Sanches who are still recovering. Another bad news came from Angel Di Maria, who also suffered a muscle injury and will miss this match.

However, good news for Benfica is the return of Bruma from suspension. The Portuguese winger is expected to help the attack line along with the Akturkoglu and Vangelis Pavlidis Brakes, who scored a hat-trick in their previous meeting against Barcelona.

In the Blaugrana camp, Barcelona's nickname, Gavi is certain to be able to return to play after missing the victory over Real Sociedad due to illness. However, Andreas Christensen suffered a calf injury and had to be sidelined for four weeks. Marc Bernal and lead goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen are also still recovering from a knee injury.

Barcelona will continue to rely on their deadly tridents on the front lines, namely Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha. Raphinha is currently chasing a record as Brazil's player with the most goals contributed in a Champions League edition. With 12 goals involved so far, he has only lagged behind Roberto Firmino (17 goals/assist in 2017-18) and Kaka (13 goals/assist in 2006-07).

With the offensive playing style of the two teams, this game has the potential to produce as many goals as before. Benfica will rely on their slick performance at home, but Barcelona remain a favorite thanks to the experience and depth of the squad they have.

Despite having to face pressure from Benfica supporters, Barcelona is predicted to be able to bring home a positive result from Estadio da Luz, although it is likely that this match will be tight until the last minute.

Benfica (4-3-3):Trubin; Araujo, Otamendi, Silva, Carreras; Kokcu, Barreiro, Aursnes; Akturkoglu, Pavlidis, Bruma

Barcelona (4-2-3-1):Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Score prediction: Benfica 2-3 Barcelona