SL Benfica is welcoming Barcelona to Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in round 2 of Group E in the UEFA Champions League. Benfica is at the top of the table in the Primeira Liga, and they are now undefeated in their last 17 games. Barcelona is still undefeated in LaLiga, and they have finally gotten a win after 3 games in a row.
As I’ve mentioned, Benfica is in excellent form, and they haven’t lost a game in a while. Benfica is still without a scored goal in the Champions League, but they have been more than solid in the Primeira Liga with 19 scored goals in 7 games. In their last game against Vitoria in Portugal, Benfica has had a great game with 55% of ball possession, 4 shots on goal, 5 corner kicks, 8 big chances created, and 84% of the correct passes. Benfica has scored 3 goals by the 73rd minute, and even though they conceded in the 78th minute, Benfica has won this game 1-3. Last season, Benfica has ended far away from the top, but it looks like they are gunning for the title this season, and they are on the right track.
After a terrible loss to Bayern in the Champions League, Barcelona went on a 2-game draw streak, but they have won their last game against Levante in LaLiga. Barcelona was the dominant team in that game with 70% of ball possession, 12 shots on goal, 11 corner kicks, 5 big chances created, and a high 91% of the correct passes. Barcelona finally looked well, but the problem is it was against Levante. Barcelona has won this game 3-0. The fantastic news for Barcelona is that Fati is back after 10 months, and he has also scored a goal in this game, which will certainly boost their confidence. As I’ve mentioned, Barcelona got destroyed by Bayern in round 1, and not they need a win to get back on track. There are other injuries in Barcelona, but they are slowly recovering and shortening that list. The only problem for Barcelona right now is coach Koeman who is not utilizing his best players as he should, and he is too stubborn to make changes that would improve this team.
Benfica has never beaten Barcelona in the past, but they are now in a good form, they are scoring goals, and I like their chances in this game. Now, Barcelona is the better and more experienced team, and I think their latest win will give them a nice boost. I will take a shot with Barcelona here.