UEFA Champions League Preview: Benfica vs. Barcelona Preview – January 21, 2025
The UEFA Champions League returns with a scintillating Round of 16 clash as Benfica host Barcelona on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This encounter between two of Europe’s most iconic clubs promises high stakes, tactical intrigue, and plenty of drama under the floodlights at the Estรกdio da Luz. With both teams vying for a place in the quarterfinals, here’s an in-depth preview of this captivating fixture, covering event details, team news, possible lineups, playing ground, head-to-head statistics, and live streaming options.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET
Venue: Estรกdio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
Broadcast and Live Stream:
UK: BT Sport
US: CBS Sports, Paramount+, Univision
Worldwide: UEFA.tv and official broadcasting partners
Team News
Benfica
Benfica, the reigning Portuguese champions, have impressed in the group stages with their balanced approach of defensive solidity and clinical counterattacks. Managed by Roger Schmidt, the Eagles come into this fixture with confidence, having navigated through a tough group that included Paris Saint-Germain.
Injuries/Suspensions:
David Neres: Doubtful due to a muscle strain.
Alexander Bah: Recovering from a knee injury, unlikely to feature.
Chiquinho: Expected to miss out with a long-term injury.
Key Players:
Gonรงalo Ramos, Benfica’s leading scorer, will spearhead the attack. The midfield duo of Joรฃo Mรกrio and Florentino Luรญs provides a mix of creativity and defensive stability.
Barcelona
Barcelona, under Xavi Hernรกndez, are riding high after reclaiming the La Liga title last season. The Catalan giants emerged as group winners and boast a squad brimming with youthful exuberance and experience. However, injuries and suspensions have posed challenges ahead of this crucial tie.
Injuries/Suspensions:
Robert Lewandowski: Out with a minor ankle injury, a significant blow for Barcelona.
Pedri: Unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue.
Ronald Araรบjo: Suspended for this leg after accumulating yellow cards.
Key Players:
Ousmane Dembรฉlรฉ’s pace and trickery will be key to Barcelona’s attack, while Gavi and Frenkie de Jong will anchor the midfield. Jules Koundรฉ will lead a restructured defense in Araรบjo’s absence.
Possible Lineups
Benfica (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Odysseas Vlachodimos
Defenders: Gilberto, Nicolรกs Otamendi, Antรณnio Silva, Alejandro Grimaldo
Midfielders: Florentino Luรญs, Joรฃo Mรกrio
Attackers: Rafa Silva, Fredrik Aursnes, Gonรงalo Guedes
Striker: Gonรงalo Ramos
Barcelona (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andrรฉ ter Stegen
Defenders: Jules Koundรฉ, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcรญa, Alejandro Balde
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Ilkay Gรผndoฤan
Forwards: Raphinha, Ousmane Dembรฉlรฉ, Ferran Torres
Playing Ground: Estรกdio da Luz
The Estรกdio da Luz (Stadium of Light) in Lisbon, Portugal, is one of Europe’s most iconic football venues. With a capacity of over 65,000, it provides an electrifying atmosphere, especially on European nights. The Benfica faithful will be in full voice, creating a cauldron-like environment to inspire their team and unsettle the visitors.
Head-to-Head
Total Matches Played: 9
Benfica Wins: 1
Barcelona Wins: 5
Draws: 3
Barcelona holds a significant historical advantage, with their last encounter resulting in a 3-0 victory during the 2021 group stage. However, Benfica have shown resilience at home, including a 3-0 win against the Catalans in the 2021/22 season.
Match Preview
This clash features two teams with contrasting styles. Benfica rely on disciplined defending and swift counterattacks, while Barcelona favor possession-based football with intricate passing. Here’s how the game might unfold:
Benfica’s Strategy
Roger Schmidt’s Benfica will aim to exploit Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on the flanks. Gonรงalo Ramos’ movement and clinical finishing will be pivotal, while Rafa Silva’s pace can trouble Barcelona’s high defensive line. Set pieces, with Otamendi and Antรณnio Silva as aerial threats, are another avenue for goals.
Barcelona’s Approach
Xavi will instruct his team to dominate possession and patiently break down Benfica’s compact defensive block. Dembรฉlรฉ and Raphinha will be tasked with stretching the defense, while Ferran Torres provides a direct threat in Lewandowski’s absence. De Jong’s ability to dictate tempo and Gavi’s tenacity will be crucial in midfield battles.
Key Players to Watch
Gonรงalo Ramos (Benfica): The Portuguese striker has been in scintillating form, and his ability to convert chances could decide the game.
Ousmane Dembรฉlรฉ (Barcelona): With Lewandowski sidelined, Dembรฉlรฉ’s creativity and goal-scoring prowess become even more critical for Barcelona.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Benfica Win: 3/1
Barcelona Win: 4/5
Draw: 5/2
While Barcelona are slight favorites due to their star-studded squad, Benfica’s formidable home record and recent form suggest this will be a closely fought encounter. A 1-1 draw seems a plausible outcome, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg at Camp Nou.
How to Watch
United Kingdom:
BT Sport 1
BT Sport App
United States:
CBS Sports Network
Paramount+
Univision
Fans worldwide can also access live commentary, updates, and analysis through the UEFA Champions League app and website.
Conclusion
The Benfica vs. Barcelona matchup is poised to deliver a thrilling spectacle, with both teams bringing their unique styles and ambitions to the fore. For Benfica, this is an opportunity to prove their credentials against one of Europe’s elite. For Barcelona, overcoming the absence of key players and securing a favorable result away from home will be their primary objective. Whatever the result, this encounter epitomizes the allure of the UEFA Champions League.