UCL: Barcelona vs Benfica predictions and free betting tip

Barcelona is set to host Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, with the Catalan club leading 1-0 from the first leg. The match carries additional emotional weight for Barcelona, as they seek to honor their late team doctor, Carles Miñarro, who passed away suddenly prior to their postponed LaLiga match against Osasuna.

Team News and Key Absences for Barcelona vs Benfica

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness, highlighting the availability of key players such as Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. The team is expected to field a strong lineup, with Szczesny in goal; Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, Araújo, and Balde forming the defense; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo in midfield; and an attacking trio of Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal.

Benfica, on the other hand, will be without influential players Ángel Di María and Álvaro Carreras, both sidelined due to injuries. These absences present a significant challenge for manager Bruno Lage as he prepares his squad for the crucial fixture.

First Leg Recap

In the first leg held in Lisbon, Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory despite playing a significant portion of the match with ten men following a red card to defender Pau Cubarsí. Raphinha scored the decisive goal, showcasing his importance to the team.

Betting Odds and Predictions for Barcelona vs Benfica

According to oddsportal.com, bookmakers have positioned Barcelona as the favorites for the upcoming match, with odds averaging around 1.50 for a home win, 4.00 for a draw, and 6.50 for a Benfica victory. These odds reflect Barcelona’s home advantage and recent form, but Benfica’s resilience and potential for an upset cannot be discounted.

Conclusion

Tuesday’s match is poised to be a poignant and competitive encounter. Barcelona aims to channel their emotions into a performance that honors their late doctor, while Benfica seeks to overcome key absences and overturn the first-leg deficit. Fans can anticipate a match filled with intensity and determination from both sides.

Betting tips for Barcelona vs Benfica

It’s a big question which side Barcelona will show, but it’s clear that under Hansi Flick’s leadership they have become a very cohesive and united team. Barcelona are the only top league team in 2025 without a defeat, and the one-goal win in the first leg keeps them in position. Of course, Benfica may feel they have a chance now and we don’t rule out the possibility that they will try to provoke the Barca side in case they break a string.