Barcelona and Benfica clashed in a dramatic UEFA Champions League last-16 tie in March 2025, capturing the attention of football fans across the UK and Europe. The two-leg encounter was a showcase of tactical nuance, individual brilliance, and high-stakes drama. With both clubs boasting rich histories and passionate fanbases, the lineups for these matches were dissected by pundits, analysts, and supporters alike. This article dives deep into the confirmed lineups, tactical setups, and key moments that defined the Benfica vs Barcelona showdown, offering a comprehensive look at how these giants approached one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures.
The Stage: Champions League Drama in Lisbon and Barcelona
The first leg took place at the iconic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, where Benfica aimed to use home advantage to unsettle Barcelona. The return leg at Camp Nou saw Barcelona seeking to protect their slender lead and secure a place in the quarter-finals. Both matches were played in front of packed stadiums, with millions more watching from the UK and beyond. The atmosphere was electric, and the tactical battle between Hansi Flick (Barcelona) and Bruno Lage (Benfica) was a masterclass in modern football management.
Benfica’s Starting XI: Defensive Solidity Meets Attacking Flair
Benfica lined up in a 4-3-3 formation for both legs, prioritising defensive stability while relying on pace and creativity in attack. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin anchored the backline, with a central defensive trio of Tomas Araújo, Antonio Silva, and captain Nicolás Otamendi. Samuel Dahl provided width at left-back, while the midfield trio of Fredrik Aursnes, Leandro Barreiro, and Orkun Kökçü offered a blend of energy and technical quality.
Up front, Kerem Aktürkoglu and Andreas Schjelderup flanked Vangelis Pavlidis, whose physical presence and finishing ability made him Benfica’s main threat. The formation allowed Benfica to press high and transition quickly, but it also exposed them to Barcelona’s counter-attacking prowess. Substitutes included Arthur Cabral, Álvaro Morata, and Gianluca Prestianni, with Bruno Lage opting for tactical flexibility as the tie progressed.
Barcelona’s Tactical Blueprint: Szczesny and the 4-2-3-1
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation designed to control possession and exploit Benfica’s defensive vulnerabilities. Wojciech Szczesny started in goal, with a back four of Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Iñigo Martínez, and Alejandro Balde. The midfield duo of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri provided the engine room, dictating tempo and breaking up Benfica’s attacks.
The attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha offered pace, creativity, and relentless pressing. Robert Lewandowski led the line as the focal point, tasked with converting chances and holding up play. Barcelona’s substitutes included Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and Pau Víctor, with Flick making tactical changes to maintain intensity and adapt to Benfica’s adjustments.
Key Battles and Tactical Insights
The midfield battle was pivotal, with Pedri and De Jong facing off against Aursnes and Kökçü. Barcelona’s ability to control possession and transition quickly gave them an edge, but Benfica’s pressing and physicality kept them in the contest. The full-backs on both sides played crucial roles, with Balde and Dahl providing width and defensive cover.
Up front, Lewandowski’s movement and finishing were key for Barcelona, while Pavlidis’s physicality and goal threat kept Benfica competitive. The tactical duel between Flick and Lage was evident in their substitutions and in-game adjustments, with both managers seeking to exploit weaknesses and maintain momentum.
Match Highlights and Turning Points
The first leg in Lisbon ended 1-0 to Barcelona, with Raphinha scoring the decisive goal. Barcelona’s control of possession and clinical finishing proved decisive, while Benfica struggled to create clear chances. The return leg at Camp Nou saw Barcelona dominate, with Raphinha scoring twice and Lamine Yamal adding a stunning strike to secure a 3-1 victory. The aggregate score of 4-1 sent Barcelona through to the quarter-finals, highlighting their superiority in both legs.
Expert Analysis and Fan Reactions
Pundits praised Barcelona’s tactical discipline and attacking flair, with Raphinha and Yamal emerging as standout performers. Benfica’s defensive resilience and occasional flashes of attacking brilliance were acknowledged, but their inability to capitalise on chances proved costly. UK fans and media highlighted the importance of squad depth and tactical flexibility in high-stakes knockout football, with Barcelona’s experience and quality shining through.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Clubs?
Barcelona’s progression to the Champions League quarter-finals sets up another challenging tie, with their blend of youth and experience making them strong contenders. Benfica, despite their exit, can take pride in their performances and will look to regroup for domestic and European competitions next season. The lineups and tactical setups from these matches will be studied by fans and analysts alike, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of European football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who scored for Barcelona in the Benfica tie?
Raphinha was Barcelona’s standout performer, scoring twice across both legs. Lamine Yamal also found the net with a stunning strike in the second leg, helping secure Barcelona’s passage to the quarter-finals.
What formation did Benfica use against Barcelona?
Benfica lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with a focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions. The midfield trio of Aursnes, Barreiro, and Kökçü provided energy and technical quality, while Pavlidis led the line as the main attacking threat.
How did Barcelona’s midfield control the game?
Barcelona’s midfield duo of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri dictated the tempo, breaking up Benfica’s attacks and initiating quick transitions. Their ability to control possession and create chances was crucial to Barcelona’s success in both legs.
Were there any key injuries or suspensions for Barcelona?
Barcelona were without Marc Bernal (ACL), Marc-André ter Stegen (knee), Andreas Christensen (calf), and Pau Cubarsí (straight red card). These absences tested Barcelona’s squad depth, but their replacements performed admirably.
What was the tactical battle between Hansi Flick and Bruno Lage?
The tactical duel between Flick and Lage was evident in their substitutions and in-game adjustments. Flick’s emphasis on possession and attacking flair contrasted with Lage’s focus on defensive resilience and quick transitions, making for a compelling tactical contest.
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