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Barcelona Not Safe Yet, Benfica Could Be a Surprise
UEFA Champions League - FC Barcelona VS Benfica
Match Time:12-03-2025 01:45 Wednesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Barcelona will aim to protect their slim first-leg advantage when they host Benfica at EstadiOlímpicLluísCompanys for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Barcelona are seeking to reach the quarter-finals for the second consecutive season, while Benfica hope to advance to the last eight for the third time in four years.
Team Analysis:
Barcelona have not played since their trip to Lisbon due to the postponement of Saturday's La Liga match following the tragic death of their first-team doctor, CarlesMinarro Garcia. The club is in mourning, with players and staff observing a moment of silence in training. Meanwhile, Benfica's manager Bruno Lage expressed his condolences after Barcelona’s loss. Benfica were disappointed by their narrow defeat in the first leg, especially after failing to capitalize on a red card for Barcelona’s Cubarsi. However, Benfica bounced back with a 3-0 win over Nacional in their latest PrimeiraLiga match, with goals from ZekiAmdouni, OrkunKokcu, and Vangelis Pavlidis.
Player Situation:
Barcelona will be without Andreas Christensen, who has suffered another injury setback and will be out until April due to a calf problem. The team is also missing goalkeeper Marc-Andre terStegen and midfielder Marc Bernal, both recovering from long-term knee injuries. Robert Lewandowski, who was absent from Saturday's postponed match due to minor discomfort, is expected to return for Tuesday's game. Gavi has recovered from illness and will likely be on the bench, while Ronald Araujo will play in central defense with Cubarsi serving a one-match ban.
Benfica will be missing Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, and Tiago Gouveia due to injury, while Ángel Di María is also unavailable after missing the last six matchdays. Tomas Araujo is a doubt, and Alvaro Carreras is suspended for accumulating yellow cards. January signing Bruma, who has started the last four league games, is ineligible for the Champions League knockout phase. Benfica coach Bruno Lage is expected to recall Leandro Barreiro, KeremAkturkoglu, Andreas Schjelderup, and Vangelis Pavlidis for the match.
Result Prediction:
Barcelona's high defensive line may provide opportunities for Benfica to capitalize on, and while the visitors are likely to score, Barcelona's attacking strength is expected to secure them a comfortable victory and a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Predicted Result: Barcelona 2-1 Benfica
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