The Champions League knockout stage continues with a mouthwatering clash at the Estádio da Luz as Benfica take on Barcelona. After a nine-goal thriller in the league phase, these two sides meet again in the last 16, with both teams carrying impressive attacking form. Barcelona, who have been rampant in front of goal, will be looking to take control of the tie early, while Benfica will aim to make home advantage count.
Our expert at BettingTips4You has selected the best bet of the day for this highly anticipated fixture, analysing the stats, form, and key players involved.
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Benfica vs Barcelona
Steve Harrington, Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Barcelona to Win & Over 2.5 Goals | |
13/10 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Today's Champions League best bet focuses on a high-scoring encounter between Benfica and Barcelona. Barcelona’s attacking power, combined with Benfica’s strong home form, makes Barcelona to Win & Over 2.5 Goals a great pick. Both teams have been prolific in front of goal, ensuring an entertaining and goal-filled battle. | |
Rationale:
Key Stats:
- Barcelona have scored at least two goals in 11 of their last 12 away matches, highlighting their attacking dominance.
- Benfica have averaged 2.5 goals per game at home over their last 10 matches, showing their strong home form.
- The last meeting between these sides ended in a thrilling 5-4 win for Barcelona, proving that both teams favour attacking football.
Rationale
Barcelona come into this match in sensational attacking form, having scored 28 goals in just eight league-phase matches—more than any other team in the tournament. Their offensive firepower, led by Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, has been relentless, and they have netted at least twice in 11 of their last 12 away fixtures.
Benfica, on the other hand, are not a team to be underestimated. Their dramatic 4-3 aggregate win over Monaco in the play-offs showcased their resilience, and with Vangelis Pavlidis in fine form, they have the quality to cause problems for Barcelona’s backline. The Portuguese giants have also been solid at home, averaging 2.5 goals per game over their last 10 matches.
Defensively, however, both teams have shown weaknesses. Barcelona have conceded 10 goals in their four Champions League away games this season, proving that they can be vulnerable on the road. Meanwhile, Benfica’s 3-3 draw with Monaco in the last round highlighted their struggles against top-tier attacking sides.
Given the attacking threat both teams possess, this match is unlikely to be a low-scoring affair. Barcelona’s superior squad depth and form should see them emerge victorious, but Benfica’s attacking capabilities mean that goals should be expected at both ends. A 3-1 or 2-1 win for Barcelona looks like the most probable outcome.
Best bet: Barcelona to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
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