SL Benfica vs FC Barcelona: Match preview | OneFootball

FC Barcelona return to the UEFA Champions League as they now look to settle their biggest challenge yet. In the Round of 16 now, the Catalan giants know that they can not afford any kind of mistakes. However, Barcelona are set to meet a familiar foe in the upcoming game.

SL Benfica, one of the finest sides from Portugal both currently and historically, will be the challengers that will try to stop Barça’s progression. Having already met during the league phase, that game clearly showcased the kind of threat that the opposition posed.

However, this game will be a much different affair because it allows both teams to have the backing of their home fans at one point or the other. This first leg of their Round of 16 tie, however, will be taking place in Portugal and it is in a stadium that Barcelona has already won over Benfica in.

Form-wise, the Catalan giants have a lot to be hopeful about. Since the beginning of 2025, La Blaugrana have not suffered a single loss across any competition, and that just goes on to show the team’s resilience no matter the situation.

Across the last five games, moreover, Barcelona have looked like a dangerous side to encounter. With four wins in La Liga and one draw in the Copa del Rey, Hansi Flick’s side has been consistently strong throughout. With 15 goals scored in five games and five goals conceded in the same period, it is clear to see why the Catalan side would be confident in their abilities.

As for SL Benfica, the record is exactly the same for them as well. The Portuguese side has four wins and one draw in their last five games, and they have looked dangerous as well with 9 goals scored in the same time period and having conceded only three goals.

However, two key players in Angel Di Maria and Florentino Luis will likely be missing this game due to their respective injuries. While this will be bad news for Benfica head coach Bruno Lage, there is still no denying the kind of damage that his team can inflict and Barcelona will need to be at their very best for this first leg.