On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Benfica will host Barcelona in a highly anticipated showdown at the iconic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. This match follows a memorable encounter during the league phase, where Barcelona triumphed 5-4 thanks to a dramatic last-minute goal from Raphinha, all while battling through torrential rain.
Match Details: Date, Time, and Venue
- Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMT / 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
Broadcast Information
For fans in the United States, the match will be available for live viewing on CBS Sports, as well as streaming platforms like Paramount+ and Univision for Spanish commentary.
Team News: Benfica and Barcelona
Benfica is currently facing concerns regarding the fitness of key players Angel Di Maria and Florentino. Both midfielders were unable to participate in training over the weekend and are expected to miss this crucial match. Additionally, January signing Bruma will not be eligible to play, as he was not registered for the Champions League, and he also faces a three-match ban in European competitions.
On the other hand, Barcelona is hopeful that Gavi will be fit to return after missing the previous match against Real Sociedad due to illness. However, he may not start, with the midfield trio of Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong likely to take precedence. Raphinha, who scored the dramatic winner in their last encounter, is aiming for his 13th goal involvement in just nine Champions League appearances this season.
Match Prediction
While it may be unlikely that we see nine goals again, fans can expect plenty of excitement on the pitch. Barcelona's attacking trio has combined for an impressive 69 goals this season, and Vangelis Pavlidis has also been in fine form, netting seven goals in ten Champions League matches, including a hat-trick in January's thrilling contest.
Given their strong performance this season, Barcelona is expected to prove too formidable for their Portuguese opponents. A victory in this first leg could set them up for a comfortable position heading into the return match.
Predicted Score: Benfica 1 - 3 Barcelona
Ticket Information for Benfica vs. Barcelona
If you're looking to attend this thrilling Champions League match, it's important to note that tickets for UEFA Champions League games are not sold directly through UEFA, except for the final. Instead, tickets are available through the respective clubs involved in the tournament. To secure your seat, visit the official website of the club you wish to support. Keep in mind that capacity for these knockout matches is limited, and demand often exceeds supply. Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience.
Zainab Y.
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