Benfica continues searching for their first win in the Champions League this week when they welcome Barcelona. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica with kickoff at 10 pm.
The hosts started their group campaign with a goalless draw to Dynamo Kyiv. On the other hand, Barcelona succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich.
Both sides enter the clash on the back of triumphant weekend victories in their respective leagues. Benfica registered a 3-1 win over Vitoria SC in the Primeira Liga whereas Barcelona got a 3-0 win over Levante in the La Liga.
While neither team could break the other’s defense down, it was a close game throughout as Benfica and Dynamo Kiev fired 12 shots.
The last time these men were in the group stages of a European cup competition, they were not so easy.
After overcoming Spartak Moscow and PSV this year, they have shown their domestic prowess will never be underestimated as Jesus’s side continued with yet another perfect start.
On the other hand, the pressure was too much for Ronald Koeman as his side was blown away in the first game of the Champions League group stage. The Camp Nou crowd witnessed their team lose 3-0 at home to Bayern Munich’s high flying attack that Lewandowski, Robben, and Gnabry power.
Benfica vs. Barcelona Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other, with Benfica without a win while Barcelona with two wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Vitoria SC 1-3 Benfica
- Benfica 3-1 Boavista
- Dynamo Kyiv 0-0 Benfica
- CD Santra Clara 0-5 Benfica
- Benfica 2-1 Tondela
Away
- Barcelona 3-0 Levante
- Cadiz 0-0 Barcelona
- Barcelona 1-1 Granada
- Barcelona 0-3 Bayern Munich
- Getafe 1-2 Barcelona
Benfica Team News
A major boost for coach Jorge Jesus is the return of defender Lucas Verissimo from a European ban. Furthermore, we expect a defensive pairing of Otamendi and Vertonghen. Adel Taarabt is available despite a heavy domestic suspension. Other options on the flanks include Everton and Pizzi.
Barcelona Team News
Youngster Ansu Fati returned to Camp Nou after a long-term injury while sealing the night with a goal. However, Ronald Koeman will ease the winger slowly while favoring Depay and de Jong in the attack. Pedri is available for selection alongside Busquets.
Prediction and Odds
The Catalan giants are far from full strength, and we might get a surprise package from the hosts this Wednesday.
- Double Chance
- Barcelona Win
- Goals Under 3.5
