Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Barcelona hold a narrow 1-0 lead as they prepare to face Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 today at the Estadi OlĂmpic LluĂs Companys.Â
It’s going to be an early kick-off at 5:45 p.m. Moroccan time, and fans can catch the live action on BeIN Sports Arabic 1, BeIN Sports English 2, Canal+ Sport, M+ Liga de Campeones.
The Catalans have now gone 16 games unbeaten after grinding out a hard-fought victory in Lisbon last week despite going down to 10 men after Pau Cubarsi’s red card in the first half. The man in form, Raphinha, struck a long-range shot, sealing the win for Hansi Flick’s side.Â
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Flick also praised goalkeeper SzczÄ™sny and winger Raphinha, both have been decisive against Benfica this season. “He’s a mature, experienced keeper who brings us a lot of confidence,” he said about the Polish shot-stopper. On Raphinha, he highlighted his impact in the attack: “If you look at all the goals he’s scored this season, you’ll understand his value to the team.”
Barcelona, who saw their weekend La Liga fixture against Osasuna postponed after the tragic passing of club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, have had extra time to rest and recover. Robert Lewandovski was left out of the squad due to fatigue but is expected to return to the starting XI.Â
However, the hosts will be without several key players. Pau Cubarsi is suspended, while Andreas Christensen remains out due to injury. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and youngster Marc Bernal are also unavailable, but Gavi has recovered from illness and is ready to enter the fray.Â
Benfica, meanwhile, bounced back from the first-leg defeat with a 3-0 win over Nacional in the Primeira Liga. Bruno Lage’s side are still chasing Sporting CP in the league. A qualification to the next round of Champions League is still up for grabs, and the visitors have their attention firmly on it.Â
Injuries remain a concern. Alexander Bah and Many Silvra are out with ACL injuries, while both Tiago Gouvera and Alvaro Fernandez are in the treatment room. Angel Di Maria is likely to miss out again, and January signing Bruma is ineligible for the Champions League.Â
Despite this, club president Rui Costa expressed confidence ahead of the trip to Barcelona: “We believe in our ability to turn this tie around.” Head coach Bruno Lage echoed this sentiment, saying, “Nothing is decided yet. Everything is still possible.”
Score prediction:
Barcelona’s firepower up front might be too much for Benfica to contain, especially with Lewandowski back in action. The Portuguese will undoubtedly cause trouble with their free-flowing attacking style – as they did in the first leg. A safe bet would be on the Catalans to win.Â
Barcelona 2-0 Benfica
