Bidding to punch their tickets to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Barcelona welcome Benfica to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for Tuesday’s return leg.
The Blaugrana carry the 1-0 advantage thanks to their fantastic first-leg victory with 10 men last week in Portugal. Young defender Pau Cubarsi was sent off in the first half but the visitors did not let their heads drop and scored the decisive goal through Raphinha.
The Hansi Flick-managed side’s La Liga home game against Osasuna was postponed following the tragic death of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia. With no game played at the weekend, the players got an extra day to recover for the crucial game against Benfica.
Barcelona Team News
Pau Cubarsi will serve a one-match ban after being shown a straight red card last week. Robert Lewandowski was left out of the Barcelona squad for Saturday’s postponed game against Osasuna due to small physical discomfort, but the Polish striker should be ready to face Benfica on Tuesday.
Andreas Christensen is set to be out until April due to a fresh calf problem, while Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are long-term casualties.
Predicted Barcelona lineup vs Benfica (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was truly outstanding last week, making eight crucial saves to deny Benfica and keep a clean sheet. Heading into the game in high spirits, he will be raring to shut the shop as quickly as possible.
Defence
Ronald Araujo is expected to replace the suspended Pau Cubarsi in central defence, partnering Inigo Martinez in the process. The duo have to be disciplined and not give away cheap fouls or free-kicks near the edge of the box.
Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have been the regular full-backs under Hansi Flick this season. They will look to join in attacks whenever possible as well as provide defensive cover.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri were not named in the first XI against Osasuna last weekend which was postponed, a clear signal from Flick that the duo will start in a double pivot on Tuesday evening. De Jong and Pedri will try to set the tempo of the game as early as possible and dictate the proceedings.
Dani Olmo could be the difference-maker from the No.10 role due to his incisive passing and great vision. He is expected to be preferred ahead of Gavi in the side.
Attack
Robert Lewandowski should be fit to lead the Barcelona attack after being left out of the squad for the weekend’s postponed game due to a minor injury. The Pole will try to make an impact in the game this time around after spending the majority of last week’s fixture defending after Barcelona being reduced to 10 men.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have been magnificent throughout the campaign. The wingers are in great form and must take the responsibility of creating chances for Lewandowski in the box. The likes of Gavi, Ferran Torres and Marc Casado could be brought off the bench in the second half.
