The wait is finally over as the highly anticipated rematch between FC Barcelona and Benfica Lisbon is just around the corner. The two teams will face off in the Champions League on Wednesday, March 5th, at 21:00 CET at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
The last time these teams met, we witnessed one of the most thrilling matches of the season, with Barcelona edging out Benfica 5:4 in a nail-biting encounter. The Portuguese side will be seeking revenge, while the Catalan giants will aim to assert their dominance once again.
The Road to the Rematch
To set up this epic encounter, Benfica had to navigate through the playoffs, where they faced off against AS Monaco. In a thrilling two-legged tie, the Portuguese side came out on top, winning 4:3 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Barcelona had to wait and see who their opponents would be, with the possibility of facing either PSG or Brest. As fate would have it, the draw pitted them against Benfica once again.
Lewandowski’s Quest for Glory
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into this match is the battle for the top scorer’s crown in the Champions League. Robert Lewandowski, who has been in phenomenal form this season, will be looking to reclaim his position as the leading scorer in the competition. The Polish striker currently trails Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund by one goal, with nine goals to his name.
Lewandowski will be eager to make a statement against Benfica, having missed out on the opportunity to score against them in the group stage. His last outing against the Portuguese side saw him net two goals, but ultimately, it was his teammate Raphinha who stole the show with a last-gasp winner.
Tactical Battle
The rematch is expected to be just as intense as the first encounter, with both teams employing vastly different tactics. Benfica, known for their defensive solidity, will look to contain Barcelona’s attacking threat, while the Catalan giants will aim to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses on the counter-attack.
Barcelona’s coach, Ronald Koeman, will be looking to his star-studded lineup to deliver the goods, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri expected to play key roles. On the other hand, Benfica’s coach, Jorge Jesus, will be counting on his team’s experience and cohesion to get the better of their more illustrious opponents.
Where to Watch
For those unable to attend the match in person, fear not! The encounter will be broadcast live on Canal+ Sport Extra 1, with a simultaneous online stream available on Canal+ Online. Additionally, fans can follow the action live on the Sport.pl website and mobile app, where they will find comprehensive coverage, including pre-match analysis, live updates, and post-match reactions.
The Stats
* Barcelona has won 14 of their last 16 matches in the Champions League, with their only defeats coming against Benfica and Juventus.
* Benfica has won 10 of their last 12 matches in the Champions League, with their only defeats coming against Barcelona and Dynamo Kyiv.
* Robert Lewandowski has scored 9 goals in the Champions League this season, just one behind Serhou Guirassy’s tally of 10 goals.
* Barcelona has scored 24 goals in the Champions League this season, the highest tally among all teams in the competition.
With the stakes higher than ever, this rematch promises to be an unforgettable encounter. Will Benfica exact revenge on Barcelona, or will the Catalan giants assert their dominance once again? One thing is certain – this is a match you won’t want to miss!