Benfica vs FC Barcelona Lineups – Predicted XIs and Team News

Benfica hosts Barcelona at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 tie, with Barcelona holding a commanding aggregate lead. The Portuguese side must overturn the deficit on home soil, while the visitors arrive with momentum and an unbeaten run in this competition. Here’s everything we know about the expected lineups, team news, and tactical approaches heading into this crucial encounter.

• Benfica expected to field a 4-3-3 formation with Otamendi captaining the defense
• Barcelona predicted in a 4-2-3-1 with Szczesny between the posts and Araujo as captain
• First leg saw Barcelona win 3-1 at home, giving them a decisive advantage
• Both teams fielded strong lineups in their most recent domestic matches
• No major injuries reported ahead of the match
• Balde’s return strengthens Barcelona’s left-back position

Benfica is expected to lineup in a traditional 4-3-3 formation. According to pre-match predictions, the lineup includes Trubin in goal behind a defense led by captain Otamendi. The midfield three of Kokcu, Barreiro or Aursnes, and Dahl will look to control the center of the pitch, while Akturkoglu and Bruma or Belotti provide width supporting forward Pavlidis.

Barcelona appears set for a 4-2-3-1 structure. Szczesny continues his spell in goal following an impressive run of clean sheets. Reports indicate Kounde, Araujo as captain, Cubarsi or Garcia, and returning Balde will form the back four. Pedri and De Jong or Casado anchor the midfield double pivot, with Yamal, Olmo or Gavi, and Raphinha supporting striker Lewandowski.

Pre-match previews indicate no explicit injuries or suspensions for either side entering this fixture. Analysis from recent reports suggests both managers may consider rotation given the demanding schedule, though neither club has announced fitness concerns that would rule out key players.

Barcelona possesses significant squad depth for this encounter. Available options include goalkeepers Peña and Kochen, defenders Torres, Victor, Martinez, Vidal, Garcia, and Fort, midfielders Gavi, Torre, and Lopez, plus forward De Jong. According to UEFA records, this depth allows for tactical flexibility without compromising quality.

Benfica’s substitutes from recent matches have included Trubin, Amdouni, Cabral, Belotti, Schjelderup, Barreiro, Madeira Félix, and Seno Luis Rego. This rotation pool provides manager Bruno Lage with options to change the game’s dynamics if the initial approach requires adjustment.

Benfica operates with a 4-3-3 that prioritizes midfield balance. Tactical analysis shows Kokcu, Barreiro or Aursnes, and Dahl working collectively to control possession and distribute play. Wingers Akturkoglu and Bruma stretch Barcelona’s defense while supporting target forward Pavlidis in attack.

Barcelona’s 4-2-3-1 emphasizes a Pedri and De Jong double pivot for maintaining possession. Wide threats Yamal and Raphinha provide pace and creativity, feeding central striker Lewandowski. Additional tactical breakdowns confirm Olmo or Gavi add creative dimension behind the main striker.

For Benfica, captain Otamendi leads the defensive line with experience and authority. Pavlidis arrives as a recent goalscorer capable of troubling defenses. Wingers Akturkoglu and Bruma offer pace on the counter-attack. Kokcu and Aursnes provide midfield control essential for competing against Barcelona’s possession game.

For Barcelona, Lewandowski continues his best season at the club, leading the line with clinical finishing. Young winger Yamal has contributed 5 La Liga goals, establishing himself as the most dangerous wide threat. Raphinha pursues records in this competition with high goal and assist contributions. Pedri, an elite midfielder with 4 goals this season, controls tempo. Szczesny’s unbeaten streak and clean sheets provide defensive security.

Official UEFA records confirm Barcelona won the first leg 3-1 at home, establishing a commanding aggregate advantage. Some preview sources initially mentioned a 1-0 lead, but the definitive result shows Barcelona’s dominant performance in the opening encounter.

Barcelona finished second in their Champions League group with 19 points from 8 matches, recording 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. This strong group stage performance demonstrates the quality Barcelona brings into the knockout rounds and explains their favoritism entering this second leg.

The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians standings page offers additional context on how head-to-head records shape expectations in competitive fixtures, similar to how Barcelona’s first-leg victory influences this return match.

Benfica requires a positive result on home soil to progress, needing to overturn the aggregate deficit through aggressive play and defensive solidity led by Otamendi. Pre-match analysis suggests Barcelona should advance, leveraging their attacking trio of Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha. Raphinha chases records in this competition while Lewandowski seeks to extend his goal-scoring tally.

1. First Leg: Barcelona defeated Benfica 3-1 at home to establish aggregate lead
2. Team News Release: Official clubs publish squad information and travel lists
3. Press Conferences: Managers address media ahead of the fixture
4. Official Lineups: Starting XI confirmed approximately one hour before kickoff
5. Kickoff: Second leg begins at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica
6. Halftime: Aggregate score assessed and tactical adjustments made
7. Full Time: Winner determined or extra time considered if aggregate tied

This second-leg fixture represents a significant moment in both clubs’ Champions League campaigns. For Benfica, reaching the knockout stages demonstrates the club’s continued relevance among European elite, and progressing past Barcelona would mark a major achievement. The Portuguese champions possess quality throughout their squad, particularly in defensive leader Otamendi and creative forces in midfield.

For Barcelona, the competition represents a realistic path to silverware in what many consider a transition season. As noted in related sports coverage, momentum and form carry significant weight in knockout competitions, and Barcelona’s current trajectory suggests they enter as deserved favorites. The return of Balde, the consistency of Szczesny, and the continued excellence of Lewandowski provide manager Hansi Flick with a strong foundation.

The Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica venue carries its own atmosphere and history, with home support expected to drive Benfica’s comeback attempt. How Barcelona manages that pressure while maintaining their tactical identity will determine whether they advance comfortably or face a tense conclusion.

“Barcelona finished 2nd in UCL group with 19 points (6W-1D-1L).” – OneFootball match preview

“Barcelona holds the edge after the first-leg win, unbeaten with Szczesny, and strong UCL form.” – Sports Illustrated tactical analysis

Benfica faces a challenging task to overturn a 3-1 aggregate deficit against Barcelona in their Champions League Round of 16 second leg at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. The home side is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation captained by Otamendi, while Barcelona lines up in a 4-2-3-1 with Szczesny, Araujo, and Lewandowski leading their respective units. No major injuries affect either squad, though rotations remain possible given the demanding calendar. Final lineups will be confirmed approximately one hour before kickoff. For live updates and confirmed team sheets, follow official club channels and UEFA platforms.