Benfica vs Barcelona: Where to watch Champions League round of 16, live stream, lineups, odds and prediction

 

Benfica and FC Barcelona are set to face off in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. This highly anticipated clash will be crucial as both teams look to advance to the quarterfinals of Europe's premier club competition.

Match Details
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMT / 3:00 PM ET
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal

Where to Watch

United Kingdom: Live coverage on TNT Sports, with streaming available via Discovery+
United States: Live streaming on Paramount+
Canada: Broadcast on DAZN
Australia: Available on Stan Sport

Team News and Lineups

Benfica Team News
Benfica faces potential selection concerns, with key midfielder Ángel Di María doubtful after missing recent training sessions. Florentino is also questionable, while new signing Bruma is ineligible for the Champions League. Head coach Roger Schmidt will look to rely on his experienced squad, with Rafa Silva and João Neves expected to play pivotal roles.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
Defenders: Alexander Bah, Nicolas Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Juan Bernat
Midfielders: João Neves, Orkun Kökcü
Attacking Midfielders: Di María (if fit), Rafa Silva, David Neres
Forward: Arthur Cabral

Barcelona Team News
Barcelona will welcome back Gavi after illness ruled him out of their previous fixture. Manager Hansi Flick faces decisions in defense, with Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde expected to start. The attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha will aim to trouble the Benfica defense.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri
Attacking Midfielders: Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha
Forward: Robert Lewandowski

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played: 8
Benfica Wins: 1
Barcelona Wins: 4
Draws: 3
Barcelona holds the edge in their head-to-head encounters, having won four out of their eight previous meetings. The last time they met in the Champions League group stage, Barcelona secured a 5-4 victory in a thrilling encounter.

Odds and Prediction

Barcelona win: -115
Draw: +310
Benfica win: +270
Over/Under 3.5 goals: Over (-115), Under (-115)
Barcelona comes into the match as slight favorites given their attacking prowess and squad depth. Benfica will look to capitalize on home advantage, but Barcelona's firepower could prove decisive. Expect an intense battle, with Barcelona potentially securing a 3-1 victory.