🗓 5 March 2025 | 🏆 UEFA Champions League – First Leg of the Round of 16 | 🏟 Estádio da Luz
Following a nine-goal thriller between the two sides in the group stage of the Champions League back in January, Benfica host Barcelona once again with expectations high. Both teams are in excellent form, ready to face off in a duel of technique, speed, and tactical intelligence.
PREDICTIONS FOR BENFICA VS BARCELONA
FINAL RESULT – WHO WILL PREVAIL?
Benfica Win
Benfica have won their last four in the Portuguese top flight and come into this game following a 4-3 aggregate win against Monaco in the last round of the Champions League.
Draw
There was only one goal in it when Benfica hosted Barcelona two months ago, so the margins were tight. Benfica have only conceded 18 goals in the Portuguese top flight this season, so if they can be this miserly here, they could shut out Barca.
Barcelona Win
Barcelona only lost to Liverpool in the group stage of the Champions League and go into this fixture riding high at the top of La Liga, having remained unbeaten this year. They beat Benfica 5-4 in the group stage of the Champions League back in January too.
TOTAL GOALS OVER/UNDER
Over 2.5 Goals
Barcelona are scoring goals for fun, having netted four times against Real Sociedad on Sunday. This followed up a 4-4 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey in midweek. Benfica, meanwhile, have scored three goals in two of their last three fixtures. In the group stage of the Champions League, Barcelona were the most prolific goal scorers with 28 too.
Under 2.5 Goals
Both teams have strong defences, with Barcelona having conceded 25 league goals to Benfica’s 18. Even though Benfica finished 16th in the group stage of the Champions League, 14 places below Barcelona, their defensive record was stronger. They conceded 12 goals to Barcelona’s 13.
BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Yes
A nine-goal thriller the last time the two sides met suggests both teams will score here. Add to this Barcelona’s recent prowess in front of goal and Benfica’s 3-3 draw against Monaco in their last game in the Champions League and all signs point to goals.
No
Since the beginning of February, Barcelona have kept five clean sheets in all competitions, conceding in only two games during this period. Benfica, meanwhile, shut the opposition out in both of their last two games – a 1-0 victory against Braga in the Taca de Portugal and a 3-0 win over Boavista in the league.
ANYTIME GOALSCORERS
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)
The Greek centre forward has scored seven goals in the Champions League during this campaign, netting eight in the Portuguese top flight too.
Raphina (Barcelona)
With eight goals in the Champions League this season, Raphina is the third-highest scorer in the competition.
BETTING TIPS – TOP PICKS!
- Benfica to score in the first half – Odds: 2.10
- Over 1.5 Goals in the second half – Odds: 1.90
- Barcelona +0.5 Handicap (win or draw) – Odds: 1.40
- Exact Score: 2-1 in favour of Barcelona – Odds: 8.00
MY VERDICT
This match promises to be a true battle, with Benfica attempting a heroic feat against a strong Barcelona outfit, with their spectacular play and international experience. Goals could come aplenty here, with the attacking threat posed by both teams being particularly strong.
Stay tuned for real-time updates and in-depth analysis.
