Benfica and Barcelona face off once again in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica. After a thrilling 5-4 encounter in the league phase, another high-scoring contest could be on the cards. Both teams are in excellent form and will look to gain an advantage in this crucial European tie.
📅 Match Date: March 6, 2025
⏰ Nepali Time: 1:45 AM
🏟 Venue: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Team Preview
Benfica’s Performance
Benfica secured their place in the knockout stages with a dramatic 4-3 aggregate victory over Monaco in the playoffs. Their European campaign has been full of goals, with 35 scored in their 10 matches so far. Domestically, they are level on points with Sporting Lisbon at the top of the Primeira Liga and are also in the semi-finals of the Taca de Portugal.
Bruno Lage’s side is in exceptional form, winning seven and drawing one of their last eight matches across all competitions. However, they will need to be wary of Barcelona’s attacking firepower, having conceded five goals in their previous meeting.
Barcelona’s Performance
Barcelona are one of the favorites for the title, finishing second only to Liverpool in the league phase. Hansi Flick’s men recovered from an early setback against Monaco to storm through the group stage with 19 points from a possible 21. They have been an attacking juggernaut, netting a competition-high 28 goals in the league phase.
La Blaugrana are currently on a 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions, including a dominant 4-0 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga. They have scored multiple goals in 11 of their last 12 away games, making them a formidable force heading into this contest.
Key Stats
✅ Benfica have won seven of their last eight matches across all competitions.
✅ Barcelona have scored 28 goals in the Champions League this season – the most of any team.
✅ Benfica and Barcelona played a nine-goal thriller (5-4) in their last meeting.
Match Prediction
With both teams in excellent form and possessing attacking quality, another entertaining contest is expected. Barcelona’s firepower gives them the edge, but Benfica’s home form should not be underestimated.
🔮 Prediction: Benfica 2-3 Barcelona
Team News
Benfica Team News
🚑 Injuries: Alexander Bah, Manu Silva, Tiago Gouveia, Angel Di Maria (muscle), Florentino (thigh)
❌ Suspensions: None
📋 Squad Status: Bruma returns from suspension.
🟥 Benfica Possible Starting XI
Trubin (GK); Araujo, Otamendi, Silva, Carreras, Kokcu, Barreiro, Aursnes, Akturkoglu, Pavlidis, Bruma
Barcelona Team News
🚑 Injuries: Andreas Christensen (calf), Marc Bernal, Marc-André ter Stegen
❌ Suspensions: None
📋 Squad Status: Gavi expected to return after illness.
🔵 Barcelona Possible Starting XI
Szczesny (GK); Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde, Pedri, De Jong, Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Where to Watch from Nepal
Fans in Nepal can watch the match live on:
✅ Sony Network
✅ Score808
✅ Epics Sports
