Barcelona vs. Benfica
Barcelona holds a narrow advantage after securing a 1-0 victory in Lisbon, thanks to a superb long-range strike from Raphinha. Despite playing with ten men from the 22nd minute due to Kubarsí’s red card, the Blaugrana defended resiliently and capitalized on their chance.
Benfica, on the other hand, squandered several opportunities to equalize, with Szczęsny putting in a remarkable performance between the posts. Now, the Portuguese side must overturn the deficit in Spain, knowing that a one-goal win will force extra time, as the away goals rule no longer applies.
Barcelona – Team Analysis:
The mood in the Catalan camp is somewhat somber following the passing of club doctor Carles Minyano García. This led to the postponement of their La Liga match against Osasuna, giving them additional rest ahead of this decisive fixture.
Hansi Flick’s team remains unbeaten in 2025 and is engaged in a tight La Liga title race. They are expected to field a strong XI to secure progression to the quarter-finals, where they would face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille.
Key Stats:
- Recent Form: 13-3-0 in all competitions
- Head-to-Head vs. Benfica: 5-4-2
- Record vs. Portuguese Clubs at Home: 12-2-1
- Robert Lewandowski vs. Benfica: 8 appearances, 9 goals, 7 wins
Injury & Suspension Updates:
- Out: Ter Stegen (GK), Christensen (DF), Bernal (MF), Kubarsí (DF – suspended)
- Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Szczęsny; Balde, Iñigo Martínez, Araujo, Koundé; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal; Lewandowski
Benfica – Team Analysis:
Bruno Lage’s side comes into this game with confidence after a routine 3-0 win over Nacional Madeira. However, they know they face a much sterner challenge against Barcelona.
The Eagles must address their defensive frailties, which were evident in the first leg despite playing with a numerical advantage. Their frontline, led by Vangelis Pavlidis, must be more clinical if they are to have any chance of progressing.
Key Stats:
- Recent Form: 8-1-1 (all competitions)
- Away Form: 4-0-0 in last four matches
- Defensive Record: 6/7 most recent games ended with N/G (No Goal for one team)
Injury & Suspension Updates:
- Out: Ángel Di María (MF), Bah (DF), Manu Silva (MF), Tiago Gouveia (FW), Bruma (FW – not registered)
- Suspended: Álvaro Carreras (DF)
- Expected XI (3-4-3): Trubin; Otamendi, António Silva, Tomás Araújo; Dahl, Florentino, Kökçü, Barreiro; Aktürkoğlu, Pavlidis, Aursnes
Betting Predictions & Tips:
Barcelona to Win & Both Teams to Score (1 & GG)
- The Catalans have a dominant home record against Portuguese teams.
- Benfica will have to push forward in search of goals, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks.
- Both teams have attacking quality, making a BTTS scenario highly probable.
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Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Liverpool enters the return leg with a crucial away win in Paris, courtesy of an 87th-minute strike from Harvey Elliott. Despite being under heavy pressure for much of the first leg, Alisson Becker’s heroics ensured a clean sheet for the Reds.
Paris Saint-Germain dominated possession but lacked clinical finishing, with multiple close calls hitting the woodwork. Now, the French champions must travel to Anfield, where Liverpool has a formidable European record, knowing that a one-goal win will push the tie into extra time.
Liverpool – Team Analysis
Arne Slot’s side is in high spirits, having extended their lead at the top of the Premier League after a comeback victory against Southampton. Though they rotated their squad in that fixture, key players will be fresh for this crucial match.
Liverpool boasts an unbeaten home run in all competitions this season and has never been eliminated from the Champions League after winning the first leg away from home.
Key Stats:
- Recent Form: 9-0-1 in last 10 matches
- Head-to-Head vs. PSG: 3-0-2
- Record vs. French Clubs at Home: 5 consecutive wins
- Mohamed Salah in UCL: 6 goals, 4 assists this season
Injury & Suspension Updates:
- Doubtful: Cody Gakpo (FW)
- Out: Joe Gomez (DF), Conor Bradley (DF), Tyler Morton (MF)
- Expected XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Jota, Díaz
Paris Saint-Germain – Team Analysis:
Luis Enrique’s men continue to dominate Ligue 1 and come into this fixture with an emphatic 4-1 win over Rennes. Despite already securing domestic glory, they are desperate for European success and will be highly motivated to overturn their first-leg loss.
PSG’s Achilles’ heel has historically been their away form in England, with just three wins in 16 visits. Their star-studded attack, featuring Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, must be at its best to penetrate Liverpool’s resilient defense.
Key Stats:
- Recent Form: 8-2-0 in last 10 matches
- Away Form: Unbeaten in 37 consecutive matches
- Goals in UCL: 11 of last 12 goals scored in the second half
Injury & Suspension Updates:
- Back from Rotation: Marquinhos (DF), Hakimi (DF), Nuno Mendes (DF), Dembélé (FW), Vitinha (MF)
- Expected XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; João Neves, Ruiz, Vitinha; Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola
Betting Predictions & Tips:
Liverpool to Win & Both Teams to Score (1 & GG)
- The Reds are formidable at Anfield and have history on their side.
- PSG must attack, leaving space for Liverpool’s counterattacks.
- Given both teams’ attacking talent, goals are expected from both sides.