33-year-old Barcelona veteran will need to be extra cautious against Benfica – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are no strangers to tough games, and they have proven that time and time again this season. However, it is also no secret that the players have shown in the past that they have a tendency to make unwanted errors as well. Either way, Barcelona are well aware of the challenge that now lies ahead.

With SL Benfica set to arrive to the Montjuic Stadium in order to take on the Catalan giants following the postponement of the game against CA Osasuna, this is Barça’s chance to showcase their best version. Despite having a slender 1-0 advantage heading into this game, Hansi Flick’s side can not afford to get carried away.

Speaking of carried away, there is a certain player who does occasionally pick up silly bookings from the officials. 33-year-old Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez is known for his aggression at times, which is both a good thing but also a slightly risky attribute as well at times.

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, due to the player picking up a yellow card during the first leg of the SL Benfica clash, he is now at risk of potentially missing a hypothetical first leg in the quarterfinal as well. The reason for this is the yellow card he picked up in Portugal for possible dissent.

Given the fact that Pau Cubarsi already picked up a red card during that first leg and will not be able to play the upcoming second leg, Barcelona are already short on defenders. However, Martinez’s issue is now perhaps even more sensitive given the condition that could see him miss the next potential game.

Now, if he ends up picking up a second yellow card against Benfica in this upcoming second leg, he would have to miss a potential first leg in the quarterfinals as well. For that reason, the Spaniard will need to be extra cautious and make sure that he does not pick up any unnecessary bookings.

While certain situations call for risky interventions, there are also several occasions that demand calmness and composure. For Inigo Martinez, however, that will be the challenge to keep in mind as he will simultaneously look to stop the Benfica players from thwarting the Barcelona goal.