Benfica – Barcelona: Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Preview

Benfica – Barcelona: Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Preview

The highly anticipated Benfica – Barcelona clash in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 promises to be one of the most exciting encounters of the knockout stage. As two of Europe’s top clubs prepare for battle, the tension surrounding the first leg in Lisbon is palpable. Benfica, with their rich European tradition, will host Barcelona, a team known for its possession-based football and attacking prowess. With both teams eager to make a strong statement in the tournament, this clash is sure to provide plenty of drama, skill, and high stakes.

This post takes a closer look at the confirmed lineups, key players, tactical dynamics, and what to expect from this thrilling Benfica – Barcelona matchup. Who will take control in the first leg, and which team will gain an edge heading into the return leg?

Confirmed Lineups for Benfica – Barcelona

As the stakes rise in the Champions League, both managers are expected to field their strongest possible starting XIs. Let’s break down the confirmed lineups for each team and what they bring to the table in this crucial knockout match.

FC Barcelona
Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona will aim to dominate possession and impose their playing style on the game. With an emphasis on fluid passing and quick transitions, Barcelona’s tactical setup will reflect their desire to control the tempo of the match from start to finish.

Here’s how Barcelona will likely line up:

• Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny – The experienced Polish shot-stopper will be key in keeping a clean sheet against Benfica’s dangerous forwards.
• Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde – Barcelona will play with a high defensive line, hoping to suffocate Benfica’s counter-attacks. Koundé’s pace and Balde’s offensive abilities on the left will be crucial.
• Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo – De Jong will anchor the midfield, while Pedri’s creativity and Dani Olmo’s versatility will help drive Barcelona’s offensive play.
• Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski – Lewandowski will spearhead the attack, flanked by Yamal and Raphinha, both of whom will look to exploit space in behind Benfica’s defense.

Benfica
Managed by Bruno Lage, Benfica will approach this match with a more pragmatic mindset. Known for their solid defensive organization and quick counter-attacking play, Benfica will likely look to absorb Barcelona’s pressure and hit them on the break.

Here’s the Benfica lineup for the match:

• Goalkeeper: Anatolii Trubin – The young goalkeeper will have a big task ahead of him as he faces one of the best attacking lines in Europe.
• Defenders: Álvaro Carreras, Nicolás Otamendi, António Silva, Tomás Araújo – The defensive quartet will look to block out the space Barcelona needs to play their attacking football. Otamendi, in particular, will be crucial in dealing with Lewandowski’s movement.
• Midfielders: Orkun Kökçü, Leandro Barreiro, Fredrik Aursnes – Kökçü will play a central role in orchestrating Benfica’s midfield, while Aursnes and Barreiro will provide defensive stability.
• Forwards: Andreas Schjelderup, Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Aktürkoglu – Schjelderup and Aktürkoglu will provide pace and creativity in the final third, while Pavlidis will act as a target man for crosses and quick passes.

Key Players to Watch in Benfica – Barcelona

This match will feature several star players who can tilt the balance in their team’s favor. Here are the key players to watch in the Benfica – Barcelona showdown:

FC Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski remains one of the deadliest strikers in world football. The Polish forward will be Barcelona’s focal point in attack, and his clinical finishing, movement, and ability to hold up the ball will be crucial in breaking down Benfica’s defensive setup. If he can get the right service from Pedri and Olmo, expect him to make the most of any chances that come his way.

Benfica: Orkun Kökçü
The Turkish midfielder is one of Benfica’s most creative players. With his exceptional passing range, vision, and ability to pick out key passes in the final third, Kökçü will be instrumental in Benfica’s counter-attacks. If he can unlock Barcelona’s defense with a perfectly timed through ball or assist, Benfica could be in business.

FC Barcelona: Pedri
Pedri is one of the brightest young talents in world football, and his ability to dribble past opponents, pick out clever passes, and link play will be pivotal for Barcelona in this match. His creativity in the final third will provide the necessary spark to break down Benfica’s defense, making him a player to watch closely.

Benfica: Nicolás Otamendi
As the leader of Benfica’s defense, Otamendi will have his hands full trying to keep Lewandowski and Barcelona’s pacey wingers at bay. The Argentine defender’s experience in high-pressure matches will be key in helping Benfica stay compact and organized throughout the match. His ability to read the game and block shots will be crucial for Benfica’s chances.

Tactical Breakdown: Benfica – Barcelona

Barcelona will look to dominate possession, as is typical of their style. With a midfield trio consisting of De Jong, Pedri, and Olmo, Barcelona will aim to control the game’s tempo and keep Benfica chasing the ball. The attacking width provided by full-backs like Balde will allow Barcelona to stretch Benfica’s defense, while Lewandowski will look to exploit any gaps created by the wide players.

On the defensive side, Barcelona will press high up the pitch in an attempt to win back possession quickly. They will look to force Benfica into mistakes and counter-attack opportunities, but will need to be cautious of leaving too much space behind their defense for Benfica’s pacy attackers to exploit.

Benfica, on the other hand, will sit back and focus on defensive solidity. Lage’s side will look to absorb pressure from Barcelona and hit them with quick counter-attacks. Players like Schjelderup, Pavlidis, and Aktürkoglu will provide the pace on the break, looking to exploit the high defensive line that Barcelona often plays with. The key to Benfica’s success will lie in their ability to stay compact and defend as a unit while transitioning quickly into attack.

What to Expect from Benfica – Barcelona

In this first-leg matchup between Benfica and Barcelona, expect Barcelona to dominate possession, trying to wear down Benfica’s defense with their intricate passing game. Benfica will likely sit deeper and look for opportunities to counter through their fast wingers. The presence of Lewandowski and Pedri will be a major threat for Benfica, but the experience of Otamendi and Silva in defense will be crucial for holding back Barcelona’s attacking power.

If Benfica can frustrate Barcelona in the early stages and remain solid defensively, they may be able to capitalize on any gaps left open by Barcelona’s high press.

Conclusion

The Benfica – Barcelona Round of 16 clash in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 promises to be a thrilling encounter. With Barcelona’s attacking firepower and possession-based play set to meet Benfica’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking style, the first leg in Lisbon is set to be a fascinating tactical battle. Lewandowski, Pedri, and Kökçü will be key figures, while the defensive battles between Otamendi and Lewandowski will be crucial in determining the match’s outcome.

As both teams prepare for this high-stakes tie, the result of the first leg will set the tone for the return fixture. The winner of this encounter will take a significant step toward securing a place in the quarter-finals, and both clubs will be fully motivated to secure a strong result.