UEFA Champions League: Barcelona vs Benfica Preview – March 11, 2025

UEFA Champions League: Barcelona vs Benfica Preview – March 11, 2025

The UEFA Champions League knockout stages continue as FC Barcelona host SL Benfica in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie at the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Barcelona, under Xavi Hernández, are looking to make a deep run in the Champions League after some disappointing European campaigns in recent years. On the other hand, Benfica, a team known for its ability to surprise top clubs, will aim to pull off an upset against the Spanish giants.

With both teams full of attacking talent and tactical discipline, this clash is expected to be an exciting contest.

 

Match Details

• Fixture: Barcelona vs Benfica
• Competition: UEFA Champions League – Round of 16 (2nd Leg)
• Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET
• Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
• First Leg Result: TBD (Check latest results before the match)
• Broadcast & Live Stream:
• UK: TNT Sports, Discovery+
• US: CBS Sports, Paramount+
• Europe: DAZN, Canal+
• Worldwide: UEFA Champions League official broadcasters

 

Team News

FC Barcelona

Barcelona have been one of Europe’s most in-form teams this season, with Xavi’s tactical philosophy bringing balance to the squad. They rely on possession-based football with dynamic attacking play through their wingers and midfield dominance.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Frenkie de Jong – Doubtful (ankle injury)
• Pedri – Likely to return (hamstring injury)
• João Cancelo – Fit after minor knock
• Gavi – Out (long-term knee injury)

Key Players:

• Robert Lewandowski – The experienced striker remains Barcelona’s focal point in attack.
• Lamine Yamal – The young winger has been a revelation this season.
• Ilkay Gündogan – The midfield general will control the tempo of the game.

 

SL Benfica

Benfica have been impressive in the Champions League, using their high pressing and quick transitions to trouble stronger opponents. Manager Roger Schmidt has built a resilient team capable of handling high-pressure situations.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Ángel Di María – Expected to start despite a minor injury scare
• David Neres – Doubtful (muscle injury)
• Nicolás Otamendi – Available and will play a key role in defense

Key Players:

• Rafa Silva – A creative force in Benfica’s attack.
• João Neves – The young midfielder has been a standout performer.
• Ángel Di María – His experience will be crucial in a big European night.

 

Possible Lineups

FC Barcelona (4-3-3 Formation):

• Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
• Defenders: João Cancelo, Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde
• Midfielders: Ilkay Gündogan, Oriol Romeu, Pedri
• Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, João Félix

SL Benfica (4-2-3-1 Formation):

• Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
• Defenders: Alexander Bah, Nicolás Otamendi, António Silva, Morato
• Midfielders: João Neves, Florentino Luís
• Attackers: Rafa Silva, Ángel Di María, David Neres
• Striker: Arthur Cabral

 

Spotify Camp Nou – The Venue

The legendary Spotify Camp Nou, one of the most iconic stadiums in world football, will be buzzing with excitement as Barcelona look to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

With a capacity of 99,354, the Catalan faithful will be in full voice, creating an electrifying atmosphere to support their team. Benfica, however, will have to stay composed and resist the home pressure if they want to progress.

 

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 9
• Barcelona Wins: 3
• Benfica Wins: 2
• Draws: 4

Recent Meetings:

• Benfica 0-0 Barcelona (Champions League, 2021-22 Group Stage)
• Barcelona 0-3 Benfica (Champions League, 2021-22 Group Stage)
• Benfica 0-2 Barcelona (Champions League, 2012-13 Group Stage)

Barcelona’s recent record against Benfica has been mixed, and their 2021 defeat in Lisbon will still be fresh in the memory of their fans.

 

Match Preview & Tactical Analysis

Barcelona’s Tactical Approach

Barcelona will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo with quick, intricate passing. Gündogan and Pedri will be crucial in controlling the midfield, while Lamine Yamal and João Félix will aim to stretch Benfica’s defense.

Defensively, Araújo and Koundé will have to be cautious of Benfica’s counterattacks, particularly from Rafa Silva and Di María.

Benfica’s Strategy

Benfica will focus on staying compact defensively and attacking in transition. They are dangerous on the break and will rely on Rafa Silva’s speed and Di María’s creativity to create chances.

João Neves and Florentino Luís will have a tough job controlling Barcelona’s midfield, but if they can disrupt Gündogan and Pedri, Benfica might have a chance to cause an upset.

 

Key Battles to Watch

1. Robert Lewandowski vs. Nicolás Otamendi – A crucial battle between a world-class striker and an experienced defender.
2. Lamine Yamal vs. Morato – The young Barcelona winger will test Benfica’s left-back with his pace and dribbling.
3. Pedri vs. João Neves – A midfield showdown that will determine which team controls possession.

 

Betting Odds & Predictions

• Barcelona Win: 1.55
• Benfica Win: 5.00
• Draw: 3.80

Score Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Benfica

Barcelona’s home advantage and superior squad depth make them favorites. However, Benfica’s counterattacking threat could cause problems, making for a close contest.

 

How to Watch the Match

United Kingdom:

• TNT Sports
• Discovery+

United States:

• CBS Sports
• Paramount+

Europe:

• DAZN
• Canal+

Global:

• UEFA Champions League official broadcasters

 

Conclusion

Barcelona and Benfica will fight for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, and with top players on both sides, this fixture promises excitement and drama.

Can Barcelona’s attacking quality overpower Benfica’s defensive resilience? Or will Benfica pull off a shock result at Camp Nou?

Tune in on March 11, 2025, for a night of Champions League magic!