On Wednesday, the UEFA Women’s Champions League continues with a pivotal match as FC Barcelona takes on Benfica at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, scheduled for 18:45 CET. This encounter is crucial for Barcelona, who aims to solidify their lead in the league and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Barcelona Aims for Home Advantage
The top four teams from the league phase will advance directly to the knockout stages, bypassing the playoff round. Notably, the two leading teams will benefit from playing at home in the return legs of subsequent rounds.
Current Standings and Team Form
As of now, Barcelona leads the group with three wins and one draw. Their only draw occurred against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. This strong performance has put them ahead of Lyon due to a better goal difference. However, the team faces several injury concerns, with key players like Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, and Salma Paralluelo sidelined.
Benfica’s Challenge
Benfica, managed by Ivan Baptista, competes under pressure, having registered only one point from their first four matches. They are currently four points behind the top teams and need to avoid elimination. Despite their struggles, Baptista remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
Past Encounters
The historical matchup between Barcelona and Benfica has favored the Spanish side. In the previous season, they defeated Benfica 9-0 and followed it with a 5-0 victory this season. However, a recent 4-4 draw in Lisbon highlighted Benfica’s potential to challenge.
Player Insights and Strategies
Barcelona forward Claudia Pina remarked on the added mental boost that the Champions League provides, noting their recent league win against Tenerife as beneficial for their confidence. Coach Pere Romeu stated his intent to dominate the match through control and strategic play, regardless of the missing key players.
Projected Lineups
- FC Barcelona:
- Cata Coll
- Aïcha Camara
- Mapi León
- Irene Paredes
- Esmee Brugts
- Sydney Schertenleib
- Alexia Putellas
- Clara Serrajordi
- Graham Hansen
- Ewa Pajor
- Clàudia Pina
- Benfica:
- Lena Pauels
- Catarina Amado
- Christy Ucheibe
- Diana Gomes
- Marit Lund
- Beatriz Cameirao
- Anna Gasper
- Nycole Raysla
- Carissa Boeckmann
- Lúcia Alves
- Cristina Martín-Prieto
Jana Adamkova from the Czech Republic will officiate the match. As the competition intensifies, Barcelona is poised to leverage their home advantage for a strong knockout performance.
