Barcelona vs Benfica: It’s a mid-table clash in Group E as Barcelona faces Benfica at the Camp Nou on Wednesday in a crucial Champions League clash.
Match Details:
Teams: Barcelona vs Benfica
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
Date: Wednesday 24th November, 2021
Time: 01:30 AM IST
Live Link: http://www.sonyliv.com/
Preview
Barcelona kept their qualification hopes alive on MD 4 with a 1-0 away win over Dynamo Kyiv as Fati scored the crucial goal to attain maximum points.
This win sent Barcelona to 2nd in the table with 6 points from 4 matches and another win tonight could ensure a place in the Round of 16.
On the other hand, Benfica lost 5-2 away to Bayern Munich in their previous UCL clash, leaving their hopes of qualification on a knife-edge.
Lewandowski (3), Sane and Gnabry were the scorers for the hosts while Morato and Nunez pulled 2 goals back for Benfica.
Benfica is 3rd in the table following this loss with 4 points from 4 matches.
Hence, both teams still have a shot at securing progressing with a win the only result required.
The pressure is more on Benfica given they are 3rd in the table due to which we can expect a quality contest.
Both sides last met on MD 2 in Benfica where the hosts won 3-0.
Form Guide
Barcelona: LDWDW
Benfica: DDLWW
FT: Benfica 3-0 Barcelona. Another European humiliation. Barça have not won a single Champions League match in 2021. According to UEFA, Barça are yet to register a shot on target in the Champions League this season. pic.twitter.com/kZVjVflymc
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 29, 2021
Last Matches of both teams:
Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol
Benfica 4-1 Pacos de Ferreira
Where to watch the live stream and broadcast of Barcelona vs Benfica in India?
The match is live streamed on the Sony LIV App or Jio TV; while the broadcast is on Sony TEN 1 channel.
Team News
Fati, Braithwaite, Wague, Pedri and Dest remain out of contention for the hosts due to injuries.
Verissimo and Pinho are out for the visitors due to injuries.
Barcelona possible 11:
Ter Stegan, Roberto, Pique, Garcia, Alba, de Jong, Busquets, Gonzalez, Gavira, Depay and Coutinho
Benfica possible 11:
Vlachodimos, Vertonghen, Morato, Otamendi, Grimaldo, Mario, Weigl, Junior, Silva, Nunez and Yaremchuk
Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Benfica
Both sides are under pressure to deliver in this one since another drop of points could spell danger.
We expect a quality clash at the Camp Nou after the arrival of Xavi has lifted the fans of FC Barcelona.
But Benfica will not be an easy shot given the attacking nature of football they play and the win over Barcelona on MD 2 being fresh in their memories.
An enticing contest is expected with both sides sharing the points.
Players to watch out for: Depay, Gavira, Nunez and Yaremchuk.
