Benfica vs. Barcelona Champions League Match Faces Weather Challenges

LISBON, Portugal — A highly anticipated UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona faced challenging weather conditions Tuesday night at the Estadio da Luz. The Group Stage clash, scheduled for 9 p.m. local time, unfolded under rainy skies with temperatures hovering around 16°C (61°F).

The match marked the seventh round of the 2024-2025 Champions League season, with Barcelona entering as strong favorites. The Catalan club sat second in their group with 15 points, while Benfica trailed in 14th place with 10 points. Despite the weather, fans packed the 64,642-seat stadium, known for its electric atmosphere during European competitions.

“The pitch conditions are less than ideal, but both teams are professionals and will adapt,” said UEFA match official Marco Rossi during pre-game preparations. “We’re monitoring the situation closely to ensure player safety.”

This encounter marked the latest chapter in a storied rivalry between the two clubs. Barcelona, a five-time Champions League winner, faced a Benfica side seeking to improve their European record. The Portuguese club last won the competition in 1962, while Barcelona’s most recent triumph came in 2015.

As kickoff approached, technical issues briefly disrupted broadcast services, with error code 0.e618d017.1737488772.ff1d395a appearing on some streaming platforms. Service was restored within minutes, allowing millions of viewers worldwide to tune in for the Group Stage showdown.