The second leg of the 2024/25 Champions League Round of 16 between Barcelona (Spain) and Benfica (Portugal) will take place on March 11 at the Luis Companys Olympic Stadium. The first match ended 1-0 in favor of Barcelona. Barcelona vs. Benfica: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Barcelona
The Spaniards secured a hard-fought victory in the first leg, defeating their opponent 1-0 on their home turf, despite playing with ten men from the middle of the first half. As a result, the club extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to eight matches, with seven wins and one draw. To progress further in the tournament, Hans Flick's team only needs to avoid defeat at home. If they reach the quarter-finals, they will replicate last season's success.
- The club has scored two or more goals in 7 of their last 8 matches in this European competition.
- Both teams have scored in 12 of Barcelona's last 15 Champions League matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 11 of the Catalans' last 12 games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (4-3-3)
Wojciech Szczesny – Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo – Lamine Yamal, Raphinha Dias, Robert Lewandowski.
Defender Andreas Christensen and midfielder Marc Bernal are out due to injuries. Defender Pau Cubarsi will miss the match due to suspension. There is a possibility that goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will be ready for this match.
Benfica
The Portuguese side suffered their fourth defeat in the current Champions League campaign. Interestingly, the Lisbon club has not won at home in this tournament for five matches (2 draws and 3 losses). To advance past the Spaniards, Benfica must win away by a margin of two or more goals. If the match ends with a one-goal victory for the Portuguese, extra time will be played. It is also worth noting that in their last two Champions League playoffs, the club reached the quarter-finals.
- The Lisbon team scored first in 4 of their last 5 games in this tournament.
- The team has won 5 of their last 6 away matches in this European competition.
- The club has scored in 6 of their last 7 away Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Benfica (4-3-3)
Anatoliy Trubin – Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo, Samuel Dall, Nicolas Otamendi – Leandro Barreiro, Fredrik Aursnes, Orkun Kokcu – Andreas Skjellerup, Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Akturkoglu.
Midfielders Angel Di Maria and Manu Silva, defender Alexander Bah, and forward Tiago Gouveia will miss the match due to injuries. Defender Alvaro Carreras is out due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Referee
Francois Letexier (France)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 51;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.7;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 44%.
Barcelona vs. Benfica: Match Prediction
The Catalans showed character in the first leg, managing not only to avoid defeat while being a man down but also preventing their opponent from scoring. The favorite in this matchup is clear, but it's unlikely the Spaniards will achieve a convincing victory at home. Hans Flick's team has no reason to take risks, as they already have a one-goal advantage. It's worth noting that Benfica is not a pronounced home team and performs much better away, so they might surprise in Catalonia.
The Portuguese side has suffered just one defeat in their last six away matches, securing five victories. They lost to a strong opponent, Bayern Munich (0-1). Notably, they have defeated serious opponents, including Juventus and Monaco (twice). Additionally, it's worth remembering that the last two head-to-head meetings at Barcelona's home in the Champions League ended in a goalless draw. Therefore, I assume that the Lisbon team is unlikely to lose by a margin of two or more goals.
My prediction: Benfica with a handicap (+1.5)
