Barcelona Vs. Benfica Prediction: Blaugrana One Step Again Towards The Top 8

Roanld Araujo, Barcelona captain for the last 8 (photo: X @fcbarcelona)

JAKARTA - Barcelona will try to maintain a narrow advantage when they host Benfica at the Estadi Oltamampic Llumen Companys in the second leg of the Champions League last 16, Tuesday, March 11 local time or Wednesday morning WIB. The Blaugrana want to advance to the quarter-finals for two consecutive seasons, while Benfica has ambitions to reach the last eight for the third time in four seasons.

Barcelona did not have a weekend game after their La Liga match against Osasuna was postponed due to the death of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia. Club president Joan Laporta revealed that the entire team was in a state of mourning and was devastated by the incident.

In preparation for Benfica, the Barcelona players momented a moment of silence in Sunday's training session on March 9. Meanwhile, Benfica coach Bruno Lage expressed his condolences after his team won 3-0 over Nacional in Primeira Liga.

In the first leg at Estighdio da Luz, Barcelona managed to steal a 1-0 win even though they had to play with 10 people for about 70 minutes due to a red card received by Pau Cubarsi. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny performed brilliantly by making eight saves, while Raphinha scored a single goal.

Barcelona are currently in an impressive form unbeaten in all the last 16 matches in all competitions since the 1-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in December 2024. They also have a solid home record, winning five wins from the last seven competitive matches at the Estadi Oltamampic LluOS Companys.

In addition, the Blaugrana had a positive record at home to Benfica. In their previous four home meetings, they have never lost (2 wins, 2 draws) and have not conceded in the last three matches.

On the other hand, Benfica came with ambition to turn things around after losing in the first leg. The defeat was even more painful considering they failed to take advantage of the number of players. This is their second home defeat to Barcelona this season, having previously lost 4-5 in the Champions League league phase.

However, Benfica immediately got up by beating Nacional 3-0 in the domestic league. Goals from Zeki Amdouni, Orkun Kokcu, and Vangelis Pavlidis ensured the victory that brought them equal to Sporting Lisbon at the top of the Primeira League standings.

History shows a tough task waiting for Benfica. They have been eliminated in five of the six knockout stages of the Champions League when they lost in the first leg. In addition, they only won two of their 13 away games against La Liga, with the last win taking place against Atletico Madrid in the 2015-16 season group phase.

However, Benfica could hope for their away performance in the Champions League this season. They have won their last three away games, including beating Monaco and Juventus in the group stage and beating Monaco again in the playoffs.

Barcelona is still missing Andreas Christensen who suffered a calf injury and is expected to be out until April. Lead goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and young midfielder Marc Bernal are also still recovering from a long-term knee injury.

Robert Lewandowski missed the squad for the match against Osasuna due to a slight physical impairment, but is expected to be ready to appear in this match. Gavi, who was previously sick, has returned to training and is likely to be on the reserve list.

Pau Cubarsi is confirmed to be absent due to suspension due to a red card in the first leg, with Ronald Araujo predicted to replace him as a centre-back.

From the Benfica camp, they cannot be strengthened by the injured Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, and Tiago Gouveia. Angel Di Maria is also still not available after being absent in the last six matches.

Tomas Araujo is doubtful of appearing after missing a win against Nacional, while Alvaro Carreras has to undergo a ban on playing due to the accumulation of yellow cards. In addition, Bruma could not play because she was not registered in the Champions League squad for the knockout phase.

Coach Bruno Lage is likely to field Leandro Barreiro, Kerem Akturkoglu, Andreas Schjelderup, and Vangelis Pavlidis in this important match.

Barcelona only need to avoid defeats to secure tickets to the quarter-finals, but Benfica will certainly put up a fierce fight to turn things around.

Barcelona (4-3-3):Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Olmo, De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski

Benfica (4-3-3):Trubin; Santos, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Aursnes, Barreiro, Kokcu; Akturkoglu, Schjelderup, Pavlidis