FC Barcelona is set to face the ever-dangerous Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, reigniting a rivalry that has caused trouble for the Catalan side in recent years. Known for their unpredictable style, Benfica arrives as a dark horse, boasting a lethal counter-attack and attacking firepower that could pose serious challenges for Hansi Flick's men.

An Unpredictable Opponent with Firepower

The Portuguese giants have built a reputation for inconsistency — capable of dominating top teams before faltering in key moments. Their last encounter with Barcelona on January 21 showcased this perfectly. Benfica controlled the first half but collapsed in the second, allowing Barça to mount a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory.

Vangelis Pavlidis: Barcelona’s Nightmare

The Greek striker, Vangelis Pavlidis, was the star of that clash, netting a hat-trick against Barcelona. Pavlidis has maintained his stellar form, scoring in his last three European matches, and will be the focal point of Benfica’s attack.

Supporting Cast: Kokcu & Aktürkoğlu

• Orkun Kokcu has been instrumental in midfield, not only scoring but also delivering the decisive assist that secured Benfica’s place in the knockout stage against Monaco.
• Kerem Aktürkoğlu adds another dynamic threat on the wing, bringing pace and creativity to Benfica’s counter-attacking game.

While Benfica shines offensively, their defense remains a glaring weakness:

• Nicolás Otamendi, nearing the end of his career, struggles against pacey forwards.
• Antonio Silva, though highly rated, has yet to showcase his best form in Europe.
• Álvaro Carreras offers attacking width from left-back but leaves gaps that Barcelona could exploit.

Between the posts, Anatoli Trubin has impressed with reflex saves but remains prone to errors in high-pressure situations — something Barça will look to capitalize on.

A major question mark for Benfica is whether Ángel Di María will return in time. The Argentine winger has been sidelined for a month due to injury but could make his comeback just in time for this crucial clash.

• If fit, Di María could be pivotal in Benfica’s counter-attacks.
• This might also be his final Champions League appearance, adding an emotional layer to his potential return.

Benfica’s Road to the Knockouts

Benfica finished second in their Champions League group with 13 points, having:

• Defeated Juventus and Monaco
• Drawn against Bologna
• Suffered defeats to Barcelona and Bayern Munich

In the Portuguese league, Benfica sits second, trailing Sporting Lisbon by just two points (50 to 52). While Sporting has already been eliminated from European competition, Benfica remains focused on making a deep run in the Champions League.