Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Benfica: Champions League

Champions League action kicks off in 2025 and Barcelona look set to secure their place in the last 16 when they visit Benfica.

Barcelona dropped points in La Liga for the seventh time in their last eight matches and fell seven points behind Real Madrid. Although their league title ambitions took another blow, the Blaugrana have been excellent in the Champions League this season.

Hansi Flick’s side lost their opening game against Monaco but have won every game since, scoring a staggering 21 goals in six games. Barcelona are currently second in the league stage and a positive result would see them clinch a place in the round of 16 and avoid the need to play a two-legged playoff.

Iñigo Martínez remains out and Dani Olmo picked up a knock in the draw for Getafe, who will sideline him indefinitely. Barcelona will be keen to bounce back from their frustrating league outing on Saturday in the hope that a win against Benfica can see them finally turn their fortunes around in La Liga.

Here’s how Barcelona could line up when they visit Benfica in the Champions League.

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GK: Iñaki Peña—After a shaky start to the year, Peña is back as Barcelona’s starter between the sticks.

RB: Jules Koundé– The Frenchman has been excellent of late with goals involved in three games in a row.

CB: Ronald Araújo-Araújo will captain Barcelona as he starts to get more and more minutes given Martinez’s absence.

CB: Pau Cubarsí-The young defender has been used a lot, but Flick has been reluctant to rest him, even with Eric García fully fit.

LB: Alejandro Balde-The Spanish international will look forward as much as possible on the left flank so that Raphinha can drive centrally.

CM: Frenkie de Jong-The Dutchman starts instead of Marc Casadó, as he has looked better in recent games.

CM: Peter—Pedri continues to perform man of the match in La Liga despite Barcelona’s negative results in recent games.

RW: Lamine Yamal– Yamal will be looking for his second Champions League goal in his career.

AM: Gift-The young Spanish midfielder continues to find his form and has seen an increase in his minutes since the New Year.

LW: Raphinha—Raphinha leads with nine goal involvements this Champions League season.

ST: Robert Lewndowski– The Polish striker leads the list with his eight Champions League goals this season.

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