Overview
Benfica are showing impressive form with 4 consecutive wins in all competitions. In their most recent match, they defeated Famalicao 4-0 at home in Da Luz.
Before that, coach Bruno Lage's team defeated Braga and Sporting Lisbon to win the Taca da Liga as well as eliminate Farense in the round of 16 of the National Cup. However, in the Champions League, Benfica have only won 1 of their last 4 matches.
Kerem Akturkoglu has been a key player for Benfica in the Champions League this season. The Turkish player scored 3 goals in the tournament.
Meanwhile, after 4 consecutive victories, Barcelona suddenly stumbled when they were held to a draw by Getafe. However, this result could not stop the Blaugrana's confidence before the next match in the Champions League. Coach Hansi Flick's team has won 5/6 of the first matches, scoring 21 goals and is currently ranked second in the table.
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 list of top scorers in the Champions League this season with 7 goals. With Raphinha, the Brazilian international also scored 6 goals.
The Blaugrana have also been impressive in recent away games. They are unbeaten in their last 7 away matches, 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 won just one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games against Barca, including five shortages. It is likely that Barcelona will win the final match at Da Luz.
Personnel situation
Benfica midfielder Tiago Gouveia will still be absent, while Renato Sanches will be out for a long time.
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 yet 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 am on January 22 (Vietnam time).
