A repeat of their league phase classic was always unlikely last week in Lisbon, but Barcelona’s emerging grinta helped them secure a huge first leg victory.
Hansi Flick’s side produced a chaotic display on their previous visit to Benfica and required the most dramatic of late turnarounds to secure a 5-4 win. Last Wednesday, Barca, despite going down to ten men, were measured and resilient either side of Raphinha’s match-winner.
Tragic circumstances means Tuesday’s hosts are fresh for the contest after their La Liga clash with Osasuna was postponed on Saturday evening. They have a 1-0 lead to protect, but many will back Barca to beat the Portuguese side for a third time this season.
Here’s how Barcelona could line up for the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
GK: Wojciech Szczesny – Szczesny has improved immeasurably in recent outings, and he played a major role in Barcelona’s first leg win. There’s now talk of the club handing the veteran goalkeeper a chance to extend his stay.
RB: Jules Kounde – The Frenchman has been a constant in Flick’s starting XI this season, proving himself to be one of Europe’s premier right-backs having once detested the idea of performing the role full time.
CB: Ronald Araujo – The Barcelona captain is a shoo-in for the second leg due to Pau Cubarsi’s sending off last week.
CB: Inigo Martinez – Martinez has primarily partnered Cubarsi this term, and his on-pitch relationship with Araujo certainly hasn’t been as strong. The Spaniard will be put to the test by the in-behind running of Vangelis Pavlidis.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Like Kounde, Balde is enjoying an excellent season and is the undisputed starter at left-back. Flick has turned to La Masia to offer Balde respite, but there’s no doubt he’ll be in the team on Tuesday.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – The Dutchman is finally enjoying a sustained run in the team, with De Jong usurping Marc Casado in the depth chart as of late.
CM: Pedri – Pedri was poised to earn a breather at the weekend before Osasuna’s visit was postponed. Both he and De Jong were absent from Flick’s starting XI, suggesting the German was going to preserve the pair for Tuesday’s second leg.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The teenager has proven himself to be human in 2025, and Yamal endured a frustrating outing in Lisbon last week which ended in an early second half withdrawal. He should benefit from Alvaro Fernández’s suspension on Tuesday.
AM: Dani Olmo – The former RB Leipzig playmaker has Gavi to compete with for the No 10 spot, while Fermin Lopez almost always delivers when he gets a chance. However, Olmo is Flick’s preferred option for the role, and it’d be a surprise to see him drop out of the team on Tuesday.
LW: Raphinha – The Brazilian’s strike last week was absolutely superb, and his goal leaves Barcelona in a strong position. Raphinha’s certainly making a case to be on the Ballon d’Or podium.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – The schedule is taking its toll on Lewandowski, who wasn’t even in the squad for Saturday’s La Liga game. Flick has to be smart with his utilisation of the veteran forward, but he will be in the XI on Tuesday.
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