FC Barcelona Makes Key Changes Ahead of Champions League Clash with Benfica

Lisbon, Portugal — FC Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed three key changes to the starting lineup as his team prepares to face Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday.

During a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Flick addressed the upcoming clash at Estadio da Luz, recalling a close encounter between the two teams earlier this season where Barcelona triumphed 5-4. “I think we’ll play with our ideas. We’ll see what happens; hopefully, we’ll be better on the counterattacks and stop their dynamic in the first half. It will be a tough match and we will try to improve,” Flick stated.

The previous encounter saw Barcelona squander leads during the league match, a scenario that Flick noted must be improved upon as the team aims for a strong position in the knockout phase.

In preparation for this pivotal match, Barcelona leads La Liga by a slim margin. With spirits high following a recent win, Flick has opted to reintegrate several players into the starting eleven. Wojciech Szczesny will remain in goal, with Alejandro Balde and Inigo Martinez returning to bolster the defense, replacing Gerard Martin and Ronald Araujo, respectively.

Additionally, Frenkie de Jong reclaims his spot in midfield, partnering with Pedri, while Gavi remains sidelined due to fitness issues. “Gavi is in a different position; he brings pressure and dynamism, but he is recovering from an injury and must be handled carefully,” Flick explained.

The front line remains consistent, featuring Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, who collectively have impressed throughout the season.

Barcelona’s predicted starting XI against Benfica is: Szczesny; Balde, Inigo, Cubarsi, Kounde; Pedri, De Jong; Raphinha, Olmo, Lamine; Lewandowski.

In contrast, Benfica enters this match having had an extended rest period, as their scheduled league match was postponed, keeping them fresh ahead of this confrontation. Head coach Bruno Lage faces injury challenges, with key players, including Florentino and Angel Di Maria, both uncertain for this match.

Responding to the physical demands of the tournament, Flick has cautiously planned rotational strategies for his squad, particularly given the upcoming contest against Real Sociedad within a busy fixture schedule.

Benfica’s predicted lineup features Trubin in goal; Araujo, Silva, and Otamendi in defense; Aursnes, Barreiro, and Kokcu in midfield; while Akturtoglu, Pavlidis, and Dahl lead the attack.

This highly anticipated match is set to commence at 21:00 local time, with both teams eager to secure a foothold in the two-legged knockout tie.