Barcelona will face Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The first leg of the game is in Lisbon, Benfica’s home where Barcelona have already played this season and got a dramatic 5-4 win. The first leg will be played this Wednesday and here is what to expect.
The Importance of The First Leg
The first leg is extremely important for Barcelona. Barcelona have already played Benfica this season and have an idea of the atmosphere of that stadium. The players are mentally prepared that this won’t be an easy game like last time.
Barcelona need to improve on their mistakes which almost cost them the game last time. If Barcelona can get a good deficit lead in the first leg, we can expect rotation in the second leg at home and get through the tie easily. Barcelona is in good form and is scoring goals for fun, but they suffered defensively against Atletico and need to improve it, especially at Benfica’s home.
Expected Lineups
Benfica’s possible starting lineup: Trubin; Araujo, Otamendi, Silva, Carreras; Kokcu, Barreiro, Aursnes; Akturkoglu, Pavlidis, Bruma Credits: https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/
Barcelona’s possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski Credits: https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/
What to Expect?
I think this will be a tough game for Barcelona, despite them being in great form. Benfica is a team that knows how to make the most out of their home advantage, so they will be looking for a win. I believe Barcelona should use their experience and kill the game in the first leg and get through the Round of 16 easily. My prediction for this tie would be a 3-1 win for Barcelona.