This Wednesday, at 9:00 PM, Benfica and Barça face off in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The match takes place at the legendary Estadio Da Luz, which is expected to be filled again as it was a few weeks ago when they faced each other. The game can be watched on Movistar Liga de Campeones and followed minute by minute through our social media @carpetasblaugranas
Felix Zwayer has been the referee appointed for this duel, he will be joined in the VAR by Bastian Dankert and the Frenchman Willy Delajod. The German referee has officiated matches for Catalans and Portuguese, the last time being last season, against Napoli and Marseille respectively. This year he has already officiated several matches in the group stage, a total of about 6 duels between the Champions and Europa League.
How Benfica Arrives
The Portuguese team arrives at this event having rested more than their rival, as they did not play in the league next weekend. In the domestic championship, they are second, with one game less, if they win they would be co-leaders with Sporting Lisbon. The last time they faced the blaugranas they lost in the last minute, a crazy match that ended 4-5.
Bruno Lage, the Portuguese coach, is convinced that they can advance in the knockout stage, although in the betting the favorite is Barça. Regarding the last match, he commented that they have already analyzed everything that was done well and poorly, although he doesn't believe this duel will be decisive. Finally, he says he doesn't understand the complaints in Barcelona because his team did not play next weekend.
Regarding the starting line-up, the coach has confirmed the absence of Di María and Florentino Luis, both injured. While it is true that the Argentine was not going to be a starter, the pivot's injury means Leandro Santos will come in. Another change we might see could be in the forward line, with Belotti coming in for Pavlidis, who scored a hat trick against Barça.
How Barça Arrives
The blaugrana team arrives at the European competition as La Liga leaders, with a one-point difference over Atlético and 3 over Madrid. Additionally, last week's victory was soothing, in the sense that it allowed several key players to rest ahead of this match. It will be the first time they face each other in a knockout round, as previous encounters have been in the group stage.
Hans Flick was asked about the last Champions League Barça won, to which he replied that "in these stages there are no easy matches". He did not want to talk about favoritism in the knockout stage, simply that they must "focus on the next match" because Benfica will be challenging. Regarding the Portuguese team, he praised their play style with the ball and how difficult it is to defend against their strategy.
Regarding the line-up, he has not given any hints, only mentioned that Gavi did not train yesterday and that he will wait for the doctor's advice. The other doubt is in the center-backs, although everything seems to indicate that Íñigo and Cubarsí will once again form the defensive axis. As for the attacking midfield, Olmo is very likely to start again, especially due to Gavi's discomfort.
Match Keys
Memories of the Past: it is true that Barça seems not to have that glass jaw that made them fall with the first setback. In fact, they have demonstrated it in that same field and in several League or Cup matches. However, it is once again a litmus test to measure how prepared the team is to compete at the highest level.
Ball Out: one of the mistakes the blaugranas made against the Portuguese was making errors in ball out. Starting from the center-back area, continuing through the midfield, and ending with the lack of understanding between players. This is where Pedri, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo need to step up to move the ball forward and break through pressure lines.
Return Match: both coaches have commented that this match will not be decisive for the final result, as there are another 90 minutes to play. And it is true, rarely is a knockout stage decided in the first match and seeing the last one it would be even stranger. Additionally, the fact that the value of away goals is not doubled makes the return even more significant.
Álvaro's Wing: the Spanish full-back was a constant nightmare for Kounde and company. He repeatedly attacked the space, driving the ball and crossing for the forwards to finish. If Flick's team doesn't control those runs, they could suffer the same, with the danger that entails.
