Verdict: Barcelona win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to finish off the job and punch their Champions League quarter-final spot, Barcelona will welcome Benfica to Catalonia on Tuesday evening.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, eventually leaving Lisbon with a first-leg 1-0 victory, Barcelona are enjoying what has become a sensational flurry since opening the New Year. Still leading the chase at the top of the La Liga table, Hansi Flick’s side find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Getting March underway with a stellar 4-0 romp against Real Sociedad, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits. With many billing the Spanish giants as a potential Champions League contender this season, Barcelona are unbeaten in all of their last 16 consecutive appearances across all competitions. Crowned Super Cup champions on January 12th following a famous 5-2 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Flick’s side will be looking to lay down another European marker on Tuesday evening.
Barcelona Team News
Shown a first-leg red card over in Portugal last week, budding defending star Pau Cubarsi will miss out through suspension here. Suffering yet another injury setback, Barcelona have already confirmed that ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen will miss out on Tuesday evening.
Bagging the winner in Lisbon last week and now notching nine goals in as many Champions League appearances, former Leeds talisman Raphinha will play a leading role. Putting in a sensational first-leg performance, veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny will start between the sticks.
Benfica
As for the visitors, missing out on the chance to claim an essential first-leg advantage last week, Benfica travel to Catalonia on Tuesday evening facing a real uphill battle. Nevertheless, asking some real question of Barcelona, Bruno Lage’s side claimed an immediate response over the weekend. Breezing their way to a routine 3-0 victory against Nacional, only their goal difference currently keeps them off the top of the Primeira Liga table. Despite being pencilled in as a landslide underdog here, the former Wolves boss has seen his squad continue to shine with their success away from the Estadio da Luz. Including what was a shock 2-0 victory against Juventus, Benfica have won all of their last four straight showdowns by an aggregate score of 7-2. Likewise, Lage’s side have won six of their seven matchups outside of Lisbon since opening the New Year.
Benfica Team News
Missing out in Lisbon last week, Benfica are once again sweating over the fitness of former Real Madrid superstar Angel Di Maria. Suffering a long-term knee injury against Moreirense last month, Lage’s side have already confirmed that Danish defender Alexander Bah will miss the remainder of the season.
Enjoying what has become a real purple patch and notching 12 goals in as many appearances, the red-hot Vangelis Pavlidis will lead Benfica’s charge in Catalonia. Former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi will partner 21-year-old Antonio Silva at the heart of Lage’s defence.
Barcelona vs Benfica Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Benfica met for their first-leg showdown in Lisbon last week, Flick’s side collected a 1-0 victory.
- Barca are unbeaten in all of their previous 16 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Benfica have won their last four matchups away from the Estadio da Luz by an aggregate score of 7-2.
- Likewise, the Portuguese giants have won six of their seven away fixtures since opening the New Year.
- Brazilian international Raphinha has recorded nine goals in as many Champions League appearances this season.
Conclusion
Dragging themselves to a 1-0 victory in Lisbon last week and clinching what could be a crucial first-leg advantage, Barcelona will be desperate to make another European statement here. Enjoying what has become a sensational flurry since opening the New Year, Flick’s side find themselves pencilled in as a landslide contender on Tuesday evening. However, despite leaving Lisbon with a first-leg lead, Benfica more than held their own for large spells and are capable of asking some real questions. While Barca should officially wrap up their quarter-final ticket in Catalonia, they could be set for another challenging contest.
Verdict: Barcelona win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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