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Benfica vs Barcelona: Prediction, Betting Tips & Match Preview | Jan 21, 2025

Benfica vs Barcelona: Prediction, Betting Tips & Match Preview | Jan 21, 2025

The UEFA Champions League returns with a blockbuster clash as Benfica host Barcelona at the Estádio da Luz on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 20:00 GMT. This league phase encounter is crucial for both teams, with Barcelona aiming to secure their place in the knockout rounds and Benfica fighting to climb into the top eight for automatic qualification.

Interesting Fact: Barcelona are on a five-match winning streak in the Champions League this season, while Benfica are unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions.


Team Analysis

Benfica

Benfica have been in impressive form recently, winning their last four matches in all competitions. In the Champions League, they have collected 10 points from six matches, leaving them in 15th place but still in contention for the knockout round play-offs. Their home form has been solid, with one win, one draw, and one loss in three Champions League matches at Estádio da Luz.

Current Form:

  • Last 5 matches: 4 wins, 1 draw.
  • Last match: 4-0 win over Famalicão in the Primeira Liga.

Key Players:

  • Kerem Aktürkoglu: The Turkish forward has been a standout performer, scoring three goals in the Champions League, including two match-opening strikes.
  • Vangelis Pavlidis: The Greek striker has been clinical in front of goal, leading the line with confidence.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Tiago Gouveia (out, injury).
  • Renato Sanches (out, injury).
  • Ángel Di María (doubtful, minor knock).

Home Form:
Benfica have been strong at home, with one win, one draw, and one loss in their three Champions League matches at Estádio da Luz this season.

Barcelona

Barcelona are in excellent form in the Champions League, winning five of their six matches this season. They sit second in the table with 15 points, just three behind leaders Liverpool. However, their domestic form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last eight La Liga matches.

Current Form:

  • Last 5 matches: 4 wins, 1 draw.
  • Last match: 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Key Players:

  • Robert Lewandowski: The Polish striker is the competition’s top scorer with seven goals, including two match-opening strikes.
  • Ferran Torres: The Spanish winger has been in fine form, netting a brace in their last Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Dani Olmo (out, muscular injury).
  • Marc-André ter Stegen (out, injury).
  • Marc Bernal (out, injury).
  • Iñigo Martínez (out, injury).

Away Form:
Barcelona have been strong on the road in the Champions League, with two wins and one loss in their three away matches this season.


Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 0-0 draw in the Champions League group stage in November 2021. Historically, Barcelona have the edge, but Benfica’s 3-0 victory in the 2021-22 group stage serves as a reminder of their potential.


Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Benfica 1-2 Barcelona

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Barcelona’s superior form in the Champions League and their attacking firepower give them the edge in this clash. However, Benfica’s home advantage and recent winning streak could make it a closely contested match.


Betting Tips

  1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
    • Both teams have shown attacking prowess in recent matches.
  2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
    • This fixture has a history of producing goals.
  3. Anytime Goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski
    • The competition’s top scorer is likely to find the net.

Hot Stat: Barcelona have scored in all six of their Champions League matches this season, highlighting their attacking consistency.


Possible Lineups

Benfica (4-3-3):
Trubin; Bah, António Silva, Otamendi, Fernández; Aursnes, Florentino, Kökçü; Amdouni, Pavlidis, Aktürkoglu.

Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Peña; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Baldé; Casadó, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

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