Barcelona host Benfica in the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Hansi Flick’s side go into the game with a 1-0 lead on aggregate after an important victory in Lisbon last week.
By Matt Smith
In the first leg, Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory despite going down to 10 men after 22 minutes. Pau Cubarsí was sent off, but that didn’t stop Raphinha scoring the winner in the second half.
The home side will be looking to honour the life of their team doctor, Carles Miñarro Garcia, who passed away at the weekend just hours before their game against Osasuna in LaLiga, which was ultimately postponed.
Flick sweating on Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski was left out of the Barcelona squad to face Osasuna at the weekend, before that game was postponed, so Flick will be desperately hoping he’s passed fit to feature in the second leg.
The likes of Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Marc-André ter Stegen will all be unavailable for side from LaLiga. Christensen recently suffered a setback, while Ter Stegen and Bernal are long-term absentees.
Raphinha the main man in Europe
It has been an absolutely sensational season for Raphinha, not only domestically but in the Champions League as well. The Brazilian forward has only failed to score or provide an assist in two games in the competition this season.
Raphinha has played a crucial role for Barcelona in getting to this stage of the Champions League, and he’ll undoubtedly continue to do so if they go far in the competition. In fact, no player in this season’s competition has provided more goals and assists combined than Raphinha.
Di María misses out
Benfica have a host of injury troubles heading into this one, with Ángel Di María among those who will miss out. Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are long-term absentees, while Tiago Gouveia is also unavailable.
Alvaro Carreras picked up a yellow card in the first leg, and as a result, he’s suspended in what is a big blow for the Portuguese outfit.
Can Pavlidis strike again?
Although Vangelis Pavlidis was fairly quiet in the first leg, the Greek striker has already produced significantly against Barcelona in the Champions League this season. The 26-year-old scored a hat-trick against the Catalan giants in the league phase, although Barcelona won that epic 5-4.
Pavlidis has produced seven goals in the competition this campaign, while also providing two assists. Benfica will be desperate to see him repeat the performance he displayed earlier in the season as they battle to venture into the next round.
Prediction
With Barcelona in fine form and on their (temporary) home turf for the second leg, we’re predicting Flick’s side to win on the night and subsequently, advance into the next round.
We’re going for a 2-1 victory to Barcelona, seeing them breeze into the quarter-final 3-1 on aggregate.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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