In this article…
Benfica v Barcelona
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Kick Off: Wednesday 5th March at 20:00
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Competition: Champions League
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What TV Channel: TNT Sports 3
A rematch of their thrilling 4-5 encounter in the league phase, Benfica and Barcelona renew hostilities in the first leg of this Champions League Round of 16 tie. With both sides boasting relentless attacking firepower, tactical nuance, and European pedigree, this promises to be another high-octane clash.
⭐ Benfica v Barcelona Best Bet
Two teams defined by attacking dynamism and a relentless pursuit of goals meet in Lisbon, setting the stage for another end-to-end spectacle.
Benfica have been prolific at home, scoring in 21 of their last 22 matches at Estádio da Luz and finding the net in 15 consecutive games across all competitions. Their European exploits further reinforce this, as five of their last six home UCL fixtures have seen at least four goals.
Yet, while their defensive record in Liga Portugal is formidable (just 0.8 goals conceded per game), they now face the might of Barcelona—Europe’s most potent attacking side. The Catalans have averaged 2.7 goals per game in La Liga and an even more ruthless 3.5 in the Champions League, a full goal more than any other team in the league phase.
Hansi Flick’s men have failed to score in just two matches this season – only once away from home. However, their defensive fragility on the road remains a concern, having conceded in 17 of their 22 away fixtures as well as over two goals in each of their last five UCL away games. With both teams featuring in goal-laden European encounters (Benfica’s last clash with Barcelona saw nine goals), expect plenty of action in front of goal from both sides.
🟢 Benfica v Barcelona ABC Exclusive Boost
In Benfica’s last six home Champions League games, five have seen four or more goals, while in Barcelona’s last 11 UCL games, nine have featured four or more goals.
Given their previous 4-5 thriller in the league phase, another goal-filled encounter is on the cards here.
Discipline will also be tested in what promises to be an intense, high-stakes clash. Benfica’s matches in all competitions average four yellow cards per game, but this rises to 5.1 in European fixtures, with six of their last 10 UCL games seeing five or more cards.
Barcelona’s season average of 4.2 total yellow cards per match increases to 4.95 in away games, with three of their four UCL away fixtures seeing five or more cards.
Referee Felix Zwayer also leans toward strict officiating, averaging five yellow cards per Champions League match this season. With five bookings already issued in their last meeting, another feisty battle is expected.
👕 Benfica v Barcelona Predicted XI
🔍 Benfica v Barcelona Players to Watch
🔵 Jules Kounde
Koundé faces a tough task against Benfica’s left-hand side threats, which could include Dahl (2.16 fouls drawn per 90), Köckü (1.58), Carreras (0.71), or even Schjelderup (who drew three fouls in their last clash).
The French full-back averages 0.82 fouls per 90 minutes, having committed at least one foul in each of his last three games. In the previous meeting with Benfica, he not only committed a foul but also received a yellow card, further highlighting his struggles against their left-side attack.
🔵 Lamine Yamal
Despite being an attacking player, Yamal has shown a growing tendency to commit fouls. He has committed at least one foul in each of his last five matches, averaging 0.94 fouls per 90 minutes.
In their previous meeting, he was even guilty of two fouls, further underlining his ill-discipline and aggression when pressing. This makes him a strong contender to pick up at least one foul again.
📂 Benfica v Barcelona Cheat Sheet
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🔥 Benfica v Barcelona Streaks
These are team selections that have landed in the last 5 Champions League games ↙️
Benfica 4+ shots on target (5+ in 4/5)
Benfica 1+ cards (2+ in 4/5)
Benfica opponents 1+ cards
Barcelona 2+ goals scored
Barcelona 13+ shots (16+ in 4/5)
Barcelona 6+ shots on target (7+ in 4/5)
Barcelona 3+ corners (4+ in 4/5)
Barcelona opponents 1+ cards (2+ in 4/5)
🏟️ Benfica v Barcelona Hit Rates
These are player selections that have landed in each of the last 5 Champions League games ↙️
Schjelderup 1+ fouls committed
Otamendi 1+ fouls won
Aursenes 1+ shots
Di Maria 1+ shots
Pavlidis 1+ shots (3+ in 4/5)
Pavlidis 1+ shots on target
Aursnes 1+ tackles
Raphinha 2+ shots (4+ in 4/5)
Yamal 1+ shots (4+ in 4/5)
Lewandowki 1+ shots (2+ in 4/5)
Pedri 1+ tackles
🏁 Benfica v Barcelona Ref Watch
- Referee – Felix Zwayer
| Average Cards (Y / R) | 5.00 / 0.60 |
| Fouls Given | 17.80 |
| Penalties | 0.40 |
Football Predictions at Andy’s Bet Club
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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.
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