UEFA Champions League: Benfica vs Barcelona Preview – March 5, 2025

UEFA Champions League: Benfica vs Barcelona Preview – March 5, 2025


The UEFA Champions League knockout stage continues with an exciting fixture between Benfica and Barcelona on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. This encounter promises to be a thrilling battle as both teams aim to secure a place in the quarterfinals of Europe’s most prestigious club competition. With Benfica looking to continue their impressive European run and Barcelona eager to reclaim their dominance, fans can expect an intense showdown at the Estรกdio da Luz in Lisbon.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: Benfica vs. Barcelona
  • Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 21:00 CET
  • Venue: Estรกdio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • UK: TNT Sports, BT Sport
    • US: CBS Sports, Paramount+
    • Worldwide: Available via regional broadcasters and live-streaming platforms

 

Team News

Benfica

Benfica, under the management of Roger Schmidt, have been in strong form both domestically and in Europe. Their well-structured defensive setup combined with quick counter-attacks makes them a difficult opponent for any team.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Rafa Silva: Doubtful with a minor muscle issue.
    • David Neres: Out with a hamstring injury.
    • Antonio Silva: Suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
  • Key Players:
    • Joรฃo Neves: A young midfield sensation controlling the tempo.
    • Angel Di Marรญa: The experienced playmaker providing creativity.
    • Gonรงalo Ramos: The main goal threat up front.




Barcelona

Barcelona, led by Xavi Hernandez, are determined to advance deep into the tournament. With a blend of youth and experience, they will look to dominate possession and break down Benfica's defensive lines.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Pedri: Ruled out due to an ankle injury.
    • Frenkie de Jong: Doubtful with a muscle strain.
    • Jules Koundรฉ: Suspended following a red card in the previous round.
  • Key Players:
    • Robert Lewandowski: A proven goal scorer in European competitions.
    • Gavi: A relentless midfield engine.
    • Raphinha: Provides width and creativity on the wing.

 

Possible Lineups

Benfica (4-2-3-1):

  • Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
  • Defenders: Alexander Bah, Otamendi, Morato, Grimaldo
  • Midfielders: Florentino, Joรฃo Neves
  • Attacking Midfielders: Angel Di Marรญa, Joรฃo Mรกrio, Rafa Silva
  • Forward: Gonรงalo Ramos

Barcelona (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Marc-Andrรฉ ter Stegen
  • Defenders: Joรฃo Cancelo, Ronald Araรบjo, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde
  • Midfielders: Ilkay Gรผndogan, Gavi, Oriol Romeu
  • Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal

 

Playing Ground: Estรกdio da Luz

Benfica's home stadium, Estรกdio da Luz, is one of the most iconic football venues in Europe. With a capacity of around 65,000, the atmosphere will be electric as the home fans push their team towards victory.

 

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches: 10
  • Barcelona Wins: 5
  • Benfica Wins: 2
  • Draws: 3

Barcelona have historically had the edge in this fixture, but Benfica have proven capable of springing surprises, especially at home.

 

Match Preview

Benfica’s Tactical Approach

Benfica will likely adopt a compact defensive shape, looking to hit Barcelona on the counterattack. Their wingers, Angel Di Marรญa and Rafa Silva, will be crucial in transitioning quickly from defense to attack.

Barcelona’s Strategy

Barcelona will aim to control possession and dictate the tempo. With Lewandowski leading the attack, the Catalan giants will look to break down Benfica’s defense through intricate passing and movement.

 

Key Battles

  1. Gonรงalo Ramos vs. Ronald Araรบjo: A battle between Benfica's top striker and Barcelona's defensive rock.
  2. Angel Di Marรญa vs. Joรฃo Cancelo: Experience meets versatility on the flank.
  3. Ilkay Gรผndogan vs. Joรฃo Neves: A midfield duel that could dictate the pace of the match.

 

Betting Odds & Predictions

  • Benfica Win: 3/1
  • Barcelona Win: 5/6
  • Draw: 11/4

Barcelona are the favorites, but Benfica’s home advantage could make this a closer contest than expected. A 2-1 win for Barcelona seems a likely outcome.

 

How to Watch

United Kingdom:

  • TNT Sports, BT Sport

United States:

  • CBS Sports, Paramount+

Global:

  • Check regional broadcasters for live streaming and TV options.

 

Conclusion

Benfica vs. Barcelona promises to be a thrilling Champions League encounter. While Barcelona's attacking quality gives them the edge, Benfica's resilience and counterattacking prowess make them a formidable opponent. Fans should prepare for an intense and entertaining match on March 5, 2025!