FC Barcelona host Benfica Lisbon to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. An imperative victory for Xavi’s men, before the terrible trip to the Allianz Arena on the last day.
FC Barcelona play its place in Champions League this Tuesday evening. Not the right error in this final straight to the round of 16. The Blaugrana recovered after their two heavy losses against Bayern Munich and Benfica Lisbon (3-0 each time). A double victory on the smallest of margins against Dynamo Kiev.
From now on, the scenario depends almost exclusively on this reception of the Lisbon people: a success would make it possible to secure this second place in the group. Any other result would require a result in Munich on the final day. Many absences to be noted for Xavi Hernandez: Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembélé, Pedri, Sergio Agüero, Moussa Wagué, Martin Braithwaite and Dani Alves (not yet registered). An eleven still very young in prospect.
Benfica Lisbon has the cards in hand. With their success at home in the first leg, the Lisbon players are two lengths behind Barça. An uncomfortable position at the moment, but which can change quickly. A positive result at Camp Nou would allow the Ukrainians to be comfortably received on the last day.
Then we must hope for a success of the Bavarian steamroller in the other meeting. Better, a success would open a first door to the knockout stages. The two beatings suffered against Bayern have left traces in the Portuguese ranks. Hopes of qualification are based solely on this trip to Catalonia. Only one absent due to coronavirus: Paulo Bernardo. The group is full if not on the Benfica side.
Barça should be okay, we think. With more defensive stability, Xavi’s men will hold their own against the Portuguese waves. Memphis Depay and Gerard Piqué will score the two catalsn goals. In contrast, Darwin Núñez will still find the net, in vain. Lots of Portuguese attempts but as many saves by the brilliant Ter Stegen. This success will ensure the place of Blaugrana on the next round.
