Tips for match SL Benfica — Barcelona

The first leg of the Champions League round of 16 will be played between Benfica and Barcelona on 5 March 2025 at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

The teams' path in the Champions League:

Barcelona finished first in their group with seven wins and one defeat. Benfica finished second in their group, securing a place in the knockout stages of the competition.

The teams' current form:

Barcelona are in excellent form, winning eight of their last ten matches in all competitions. They have won four of their last five La Liga matches and drawn one. They thrashed Real Sociedad 4-0 in their last match.

Benfica have also shown consistent results, especially at home. They have scored three or more goals in six of their last seven home games, beating the likes of Barcelona, ​​Monaco and Braga.

Head-to-head:

The last match between these teams took place on 21 January 2025, and Barcelona won 5-4. In that encounter, Vangelis Pavlidis scored a hat-trick for Benfica, while Robert Lewandowski and Rafinha scored twice for Barcelona.

Key players and losses:

Benfica have Alexander Bach, Angel Di Maria, Renato Sanches, Thiago Gouveia and Mano Silva injured. Florentino is questionable.

Barcelona have Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal in the infirmary.

Starting lineups:

Benfica are expected to field the following lineup: Trubin; Carreras, Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Araújo; Kökçü, Barreiro, Eursnes; Skjellerup, Pavlidis, Aktürkoglu.

Barcelona will probably start the match with: Szczesny; Kunde, Kubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Lamine Yamal, Olmo (or Gavi), Rafinha; Lewandowski.

Bookmakers' odds:

• Barcelona win: 1.90

• Benfica win: 3.80

• Draw: 4.20

• Total over 2.5 goals: 1.42

• Total under 2.5 goals: 2.85

• Both teams to score: 1.42

Considering the attacking potential of both teams and their current form, we can expect a productive match with goals from both sides.

Prediction for the match Benfica - Barcelona, ​​1/8 Champions League: both teams to score and total over 2.5 goals, odds 1.64.