For their Champions League Round of 16 matchup, Barcelona and Benfica are not anticipated to drastically alter their strategies for the second leg. Benfica coach Bruno Lage stated after the game that they could have scored five goals, but the Blaugrana, who were down to ten men when Pau Cubarsi was sent off, fought out a 1-0 victory.
As he did in Lisbon when he replaced Dani Olmo following the second leg’s red card, Ronald Araujo is expected to replace Cubarsi in Barcelona’s starting lineup, according to the manager. The Catalan daily claims that Olmo is the only other player who has a remote doubt, yet he is predicted to defeat Gavi in the second leg.
According to Hansi Flick, Olmo was sacrificed in the first leg; therefore, he owes him that much. Inigo Martinez will also be keeping an eye on his step because he could be suspended for any possible opening leg of the quarterfinal with just one more booking.
Two changes expected from first leg of Benfica clash
Robert Lewandowski is expected to stay up front as well, following Flick’s declaration that he is totally fit for Benfica. Due to suspension, Benfica will also see a change. Samuel Dahl will take Alvaro Carreras’ position at left-back, who was booked in the first game. Lage’s second injury concern is at right-back, where Tomas Araujo is having trouble. They will probably turn to Leandro Santos, 19, who played over the weekend, if he is unable to make it.
After Anatoli Trubin missed out on a 3-0 victory over Nacional, Lage indicated over the weekend that he would start. Angel Di MarÃa is one significant absentee that has been verified; she hasn’t gone to Barcelona since she can’t get over a muscular injury in time. And he didn’t make the first leg. Despite Lage’s bad performance, it appears that both coaches are satisfied with their strategies from the first leg.
