After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Getafe, Barcelona will look to make amends as they .
It will mark Barça’s seventh recreation in UCL’s league format, with the Catalans already holding a stable second place within the desk. The membership have gained 5 of their six matches to this point and are a favorite to complete inside the highest eight.
Heading into this important recreation, Benfica coach Bruno Lage has heaped reward on Barcelona, even labelling them as one of many favourites to win the UCL this season.
Benfica coach forward of Barcelona tie
“After all, they’re a candidate to win the Champions League. They’re a crew with unbelievable gamers and collectively they’ve the Barça DNA, you may see the coach’s hand.
“With a extra vertical recreation, stronger within the strain and within the defensive transitions, a really highly effective opponent,” Lage mentioned (h/t ) when requested about his opponent this midweek.
Lage was additionally requested concerning the technique Benfica should play with with a purpose to beat the Catalans this week.
“Strategically we now have to vary, it’s a distinct recreation and a distinct rival. Then we now have to see methods to play with and with out the ball. It’s important, methods to create issues in a really superior line. That’s what we did at present,” he replied.
“There are two elementary features, one is that we have a look at ourselves, at methods to play. With and with out the ball. create issues for a ahead defensive position,” he concluded.
Lage’s eager observations are sufficient to recommend that Benfica are strategically ready to tackle Barcelona this midweek.
The Portuguese giants, in any case, are recognized for his or her means to trigger upsets in large European video games. Whether or not or not they will convey their A-game this week stays to be seen, although.
Within the league, Benfica are concerned in a detailed race with Sporting CP, with the Eagles trailing their rivals by simply three factors.
Within the Champions League, Benfica stand fifteenth within the league desk, with ten factors in six matches. They’re apparently forward of Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis, although loads might change ought to they fail to trigger an upset towards Barcelona.