The Champions League resumes on Tuesday as the penultimate matchday of the league phase kicks off.
Among the teams involved are Benfica and Barcelona, who face off in Lisbon.
Benfica are 15th on the table and not yet guaranteed of a berth in the playoffs. The Portuguese side head into Tuesday's match having won their two most recent games.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are second in the standings and should comfortably move on to the next round.
Barça have enjoyed success outside of La Liga in early 2025 with four multi-goal cup victories in a row to start the new year. However, their most recent outing was a shock 1-1 draw at Getafe that saw the Blaugrana extend their league winless streak to four games.
Benfica vs. Barcelona: Head-to-head and recent statistics
- All-time meetings: 9
- Benfica wins: 2
- Draws: 4
- Barcelona wins: 3
Barcelona hold a slight advantage in the all-time meetings between these sides, with three wins from nine matches.
Benfica vs. Barcelona: Team news
Benfica
- Injured: None
- Suspended: None
Barcelona
- Injured: Martinez, Bernal, Ter Stegen
- Suspended: None
Benfica vs. Barcelona: What the managers are saying
Bruno Lage, Benfica
(via SPORT)
“Of course, they are a candidate to win the Champions League. They are a team with fantastic players and collectively they have the Barça DNA, you can see the coach’s hand.
“With a more vertical game, stronger in the pressure and in the defensive transitions, a very powerful opponent.”
Hansi Flick, Barcelona
(via Reuters)
"The future will tell whether we are among the favourites or not," Flick told a press conference on Monday. "The Champions League is one of the most difficult competitions to win, but we have to try.
"When I look at Liverpool I see a team with incredible power. They are one of my favourite teams in the world right now.
"We are doing well but there are very good teams that are also doing well and we are contending on three fronts (Champions League, LaLiga and Copa del Rey).
"Benfica is a team that plays very well, it's a pleasure to see how they build. Angel Di Maria is one of my favourite players. Let's see how we do [Tuesday] ..."
Benfica vs. Barcelona: Prediction
Barcelona's struggles in La Liga haven't affected their form outside of the league, and it's tough to see anything but a comfortable win for ther Blaugrana in this one.
Prediction: Benfica 0-2 Barcelona