Benfica vs Barcelona prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-01-20 20:00.
[p]Benfica thrashed Famalicão 4-0 on Saturday to remain three points behind leaders Sporting CP in the Liga Portugal, but it’s the UEFA Champions League (UCL) that’ll be in focus this week. A win against Barcelona will see the Eagles soar into top-eight contention as they look to maintain a four-game winning streak, but Bruno Lage’s men still have work to do, as their impressive two-game winning UCL start gave way to two defeats in the next four matches (W1, D1).[/p]
[p]Home form is of particular concern, as Benfica have won just one of their last seven UCL matches at this venue (D2, L4), although that did come against Spanish opposition in the form of Atlético Madrid (4-0). Failing to score in four of those games puts the spotlight firmly on their final third troubles, and worryingly, the Portuguese side didn’t get on the scoresheet in five of their last six H2Hs (W1, D3, L2).[/p]
[p]Barcelona were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Getafe on Saturday, as they missed the chance to take advantage of Atlético’s surprise defeat in the Spanish title race. The draw ended a four-game winning run, with each of those wins notably coming in cup competitions, including a 5-2 Supercopa de España final win over rivals Real Madrid. Their form is rich even in this competition too, with a five-game winning streak keeping them second after six rounds (L1) and assuring at least a top-24 finish.[/p]
[p]Head coach Hansi Flick will hope his team can bounce back from the weekend’s disappointment and bring him more joy in a competition where he’s personally won 88% of his 24 matches on the touchline (D1, L2). One of those defeats came away at Monaco on matchday one this season, after which Barça won the subsequent two UCL trips despite conceding exactly twice in each.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Kerem Aktürkoğlu scored Benfica’s first goal in two of their last three home UCL matches, including in the 4-0 win over Atlético. Robert Lewandowski could make a telling impact as all four of his UCL scoring appearances this term saw him net the decisive goal in victory.[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Barcelona’s last eight UCL games produced an odd number of goals.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Sridhar B[/i][/p]