- Benfica face Barcelona on Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League
- Barcelona sit second with 15 points; Benfica stand 15th with 10 points
- Kickoff at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, January 22, 1:30 AM IST
- Kerem Akturkoglu and Raphinha named key players for their respective teams
- Barcelona are favorites, but Benfica’s recent form could pose a challenge
Lisbon, Portugal — January 22, 2025: Benfica and FC Barcelona are set to clash in a critical Matchday 7 encounter of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season. The Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica will host this high-stakes match, with both teams eyeing crucial points to secure their tournament positions.
Barcelona, second in the points table with 15 points, have already won five of their six matches. Meanwhile, Benfica, ranked 15th with 10 points, are striving to keep their UCL campaign alive.
Benfica’s Battle for Survival
Benfica enter this fixture with renewed confidence after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Famalicão in the Primeira Liga. In their previous Champions League match, they managed a 1-1 draw against Bologna. Their form across competitions has been impressive, with four wins in their last five matches.
A key player for Benfica is Turkish winger Kerem Akturkoglu, who has scored six goals in the Liga NOS and three in the Champions League this season. His agility, speed, and creative play make him a vital asset as Benfica aim for a strong performance.
However, Benfica will miss the services of Renato Sanches due to injury, while Tiago Gouveia remains doubtful.
Barcelona Eyeing Dominance
Barcelona, led by manager Hansi Flick, continue to shine in the Champions League with a five-match winning streak. In their previous UCL fixture, they secured a convincing victory over Borussia Dortmund. Domestically, they were held to a draw against Getafe in La Liga but remain in solid form, with four wins in their last five matches.
Brazilian winger Raphinha has been Barcelona’s standout performer this season. With 20 goals and 11 assists in 29 games, his flair, versatility, and clinical finishing will be pivotal for the Catalans in this encounter.
Despite their strong squad, Barcelona face injury concerns, with Ansu Fati, Inigo Martinez, Marc Bernal, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen ruled out.
Head-to-Head Stats
The teams have faced each other six times in the past:
- Benfica wins: 1
- Barcelona wins: 2
- Draws: 3
Their last few encounters have often ended in tight contests, including three goalless draws.
Predicted Lineups
Benfica (4-3-3):
Trubin; Araujo, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Barreiro, Luis, Kokcu; Akturkoglu, Pavlidis, Schjelderup
Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Match Insights and Form
Form Guide (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions):
- Benfica: W-W-W-W-L
- Barcelona: D-W-W-W-W
Key Match Facts:
- Barcelona have a five-match winning streak in the Champions League.
- Benfica have only beaten Barcelona once in their six meetings.
- The most common result between these two teams is 0-0, occurring three times.
Match Prediction
Given Barcelona’s recent dominance in the Champions League and their firepower in attack, they hold a slight advantage. However, Benfica’s resilience and home support could make this a challenging encounter for the visitors.
Prediction: Benfica 1-3 Barcelona
Telecast Details
- UK: Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+
- US: Paramount+
Clash of Determination vs. Dominance
The Benfica vs. Barcelona showdown promises fireworks as both teams fight for glory. Barcelona hope to extend their impressive winning streak, showcasing their attacking flair. Meanwhile, Benfica, fueled by determination, will try to defy expectations and keep their Champions League dreams alive.
With so much at stake, this clash is set to captivate football fans. Barcelona’s consistency meets Benfica’s hunger for redemption, making it a battle of skill and heart. Fans can expect an intense, thrilling encounter that could shape the future of both teams in the tournament.