Estádio da Luz in Lisbon will be the scenario of a defining clash on matchday 7 of the 2024/25 UEFA league phase of the Champions League. Benfica, fighting for survival in the competition, receives Barcelona, who come into this match with their chests high after a very good campaign. On one side, a Portuguese team relying on home support and a solid defense; on the other, a European giant brimming with talent and blending ball possession with verticality.
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In the case of Barça, while reinforcing their position at the top will have higher stakes; on the other hand, Benfica is fighting for the remaining playoff place in the round of 16.
Benfica entrusts Estádio da Luz with value
Benfica enters the match knowing that victory is a must. With a 55% success rate in the competition and currently sitting in 15th place with 10 points, Bruno Lage's team must deliver consistent soccer to overcome the Catalans. Lage acknowledges the pressure but trusts the energy of a packed stadium and the experience of key players like Di María, who is set to return.
He's fit, doesn't feel any pain, and trained with the team, but we still have one more day to evaluate. He's an experienced player, and I'll talk to him tomorrow to see how he's feeling. He's a player that loves these types of games and usually does his best, but we need to think about what's best for the team and his moment," explained Lage.
Besides relying on Di María's talent, the coach underlined what it takes to be in front of such an opponent: "They're contenders to win the Champions League. They're a team with fantastic individual players and showcase Barcelona's DNA as a team, although you can see the influence of their coach [Hansi Flick]. They've become more vertical and press confidently."
Barcelona arrives as favorites but with caution
Barça has been in excellent shape this season on the Spanish side. With an 83% success rate and 15 points to their name, second-placed, Hansi Flick's team are no doubt one of the Champions League favorites. Still, the players know very well that a trip to Estádio da Luz to take on Benfica will never be easy.
One of the standouts of the team, Raphinha, showed his winning mentality when talking about not liking to lose: "I don't like losing, no matter what. Whether I'm playing cards or board games with friends, I hate losing, and I get really upset. I'm someone who doesn't handle defeats very well. Obviously, I know losing in soccer is possible, but I really hate it.”
He added how this mentality reflects on his performance and leadership: "Not accepting defeat helps me always fight for victory and eventually show some form of leadership on and off the field. I try to help everyone as much as I can, and I'll always fight for my teammates and my club because that's natural for me."
Under Flick, Barça has become vertical and aggressive, but never abandoned the ball control that characterizes them. With this mix of individual talent and an oiled tactical system, the team is a threat at all times.
Challenges on both sides
This promises to be a balanced match. For Benfica, it will be a matter of knowing how to exploit the high defensive line of Barcelona, a weakness that Bruno Lage has already spotted: "There are two key aspects. One is focusing on ourselves and how we want to play, both with and without the ball. In particular, how to create problems for a high defensive line. The other, which is vital, is the support from the home crowd.”
Benfica should start pressuring them from the opening minutes, using the atmosphere in the stadium to rattle the visitors. At the same time, however, they need to be alert to Barcelona's offensive imagination, which could prove deadly if left with space to maneuver.
On the other side, Barça needs to trust their process and control of the game. Having players in very good shape, like Raphinha, is one thing-the team can make those decisions in matches in key moments. The challenge will be maintaining Benfica's initial intensity without losing its defensive organization.
What's at stake
A win for Barcelona means being in a better position in the league phase of the Champions League and continuing on schedule for further challenges. For Benfica, those three points may mean the difference between continuing or saying goodbye to the competition. The fans want to see a brave and competitive team. Barcelona will arrive with the mission of proving why they are among the favorites for the title.