Overview
Benfica are in impressive form with 4 consecutive wins in all competitions. In their most recent match, they defeated Famalicao 4-0 at home at Da Luz.
Previously, coach Bruno Lage's team defeated Braga and Sporting Lisbon to win the Taca da Liga and eliminated Farense in the round of 16 of the National Cup. However, in the Champions League, Benfica only won 1 of the last 4 matches.
Kerem Akturkoglu has been a key player for Benfica in the Champions League this season. The Turkish player has scored 3 goals in the tournament.
Meanwhile, after four consecutive victories, Barcelona unexpectedly stumbled when they were held to a draw by Getafe. However, this result could not stop Blaugrana's confidence ahead of the next match in the Champions League. Coach Hansi Flick's team won five of the first six matches, scoring 21 goals and currently ranked second in the group.
After failing to score in the draw with Getafe, Lewandowski and Raphinha are expected to return to the Champions League. The Polish striker is leading the Champions League's top scorer list this season with 7 goals. As for Raphinha, the Brazilian international also has 6 goals.
Blaugrana have also been impressive in away games recently. They are unbeaten in their last 7 away games, winning 5 and drawing 2.
In terms of head-to-head record, Benfica often do not play well when facing the Catalan team. They have only won 1, drawn 2, and lost 3 in their last 6 matches against Barca, including 5 scoreless matches. Barcelona are likely to win the match at Da Luz.
Human resources situation
Benfica midfielder Tiago Gouveia remains absent, while Renato Sanches is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
On the other side of the front line, Barcelona received bad news when Dani Olmo was sidelined with a muscle injury. Inigo Martinez is also unable to return, while Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal are out for the rest of the season.
Expected lineup:
Benfica: Trubin, Carreras, Bah, Otamendi, Araujo, Aursnes, Kokcu, Barreiro, Di Maria, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu.
Barcelona: Inaki Pena, Cubarsi, Balde, Araujo, Kounde, Gavi, Pedri, Raphinha, De Jong, Yamal, Lewandowski.
The match between Benfica and Barcelona takes place at 3:00 a.m. on January 22 (Vietnam time).
