Benfica vs Barcelona Predictions

Benfica vs Barcelona predictions for this Champions League clash. Benfica host Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday, following their thrilling nine-goal encounter in the group stage at Estadio da Luz. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Champions League  | Mar 5, 2025 at 8pm UK at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Benfica vs Barcelona Predictions

Can Benfica Keep Barcelona at Bay in This Champions League Thriller?

• Barcelona’s Attack is Relentless
  • Flick’s side have netted at least twice in 11 of their last 12 away games, demonstrating their consistent ability to break down defences.
• Benfica’s Home Games are Goal-Heavy
  • The Portuguese giants have averaged 2.5 goals per game in their last 10 matches at the Estádio da Luz, proving they can contribute to a high-scoring affair.
• Defensive Frailties Could Lead to Chaos
  • Barcelona have conceded 10 goals in their four Champions League away matches this season, while Benfica struggled defensively against Monaco in the play-offs.

Best Bet for Benfica vs Barcelona

Wednesday night sees a tantalising showdown at the Estádio da Luz as Benfica and Barcelona face off in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. With memories of their chaotic nine-goal spectacle in the league phase still fresh, this encounter has all the makings of another high-octane battle between two attacking powerhouses.

Barcelona arrive in Lisbon brimming with confidence. Hansi Flick’s side have been rampant in front of goal, netting a staggering 28 times in the group stage—more than any other club. Their firepower has carried over into domestic football as well, with their latest 4-0 demolition of Real Sociedad sending them back to the summit of La Liga. Unbeaten in their last 15 matches, the Catalan giants are in formidable shape.

Benfica, however, have been quietly effective. Bruno Lage’s men showed their resilience in the play-offs, edging past Monaco in a pulsating 4-3 aggregate victory. The Portuguese side may not have the same attacking reputation as Barcelona, but with Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line, they possess a forward in red-hot form. With seven wins from their last eight outings, Benfica will be aiming to spring a surprise on home soil.

The question is, can Benfica’s backline contain Barcelona’s relentless attack? And equally, will the Blaugrana defence, which has shown vulnerabilities on the road, manage to keep Benfica’s lively forwards at bay?

Best Bet for Benfica vs Barcelona

At BettingTips4You, we believe in quality over quantity, which is why we only provide one carefully selected bet per match. For this clash, the standout selection is Over 3.5 Goals—a bet that looks almost inevitable given the attacking strengths of both teams.

There is plenty of justification for this pick. Barcelona’s attacking form is undeniable, with Flick’s men scoring at least twice in 11 of their last 12 away matches. Their 5-4 victory over Benfica in January proved that they are capable of carving open the Eagles’ defence at will. Meanwhile, Benfica have been equally prolific at home, averaging 2.5 goals per game in their last 10 fixtures.

Defensively, both teams have shown signs of weakness. Barcelona have conceded 10 goals across their four away matches in the Champions League this season, while Benfica shipped three in their second-leg tie against Monaco, highlighting their frailties when facing top-quality opposition.

“With Barcelona’s lethal front line and Benfica’s free-scoring home form, this match has all the ingredients for another goal-fest. A cautious approach is unlikely, and we should see plenty of attacking action.”
— Gerard Gabasa, BettingTips4You.com expert

While Barcelona will likely have the edge in terms of quality, Benfica will not be shy in taking the game to them, especially with Pavlidis in red-hot form. He already netted a hat-trick against Barcelona earlier in the competition and has seven goals in nine Champions League appearances this season. The Greek striker is more than capable of causing problems for a Barcelona defence that has struggled for clean sheets on their travels.

Given the attacking firepower on display and the recent history between these two teams, a 3-2 victory for Barcelona looks like a realistic outcome. Benfica have the ability to find the net, but Barcelona’s superior firepower should see them edge what is likely to be an action-packed encounter.

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