Estadio da Luz will host the European juggernauts with both outfits looking to a blow to the other in the crunch European group stage fixture.
Tito Vilanova takes his charges out on the road for the first time in UEFA Champions League. In his initial days, the Catalan manager has earned plaudits for grinding out results despite giving ordinary performances, especially against rivals in La Liga.
La Blaugrana were fateful in their Group G match against Spartak Moscow as they registered a come from behind victory at the Camp Nou. Barcelona have struggled at the rear, barely managing clean sheets in two of their 7 competitive outings.
However, with El Clasico at the end of October’s first week, Tito Vilanova has a lot on his hands. The 43-year-old tactician acknowledged that rivals have begun to work out systems against them. On the other hand, Andoni Zubizarreta’s claims does not portray
a good picture. Despite a perfect record, the Catalans have failed to impress in their performances.
Meanwhile, in Benfica, Barcelona have an easier opponent than their wildest dreams. The Portuguese title contenders have stuttered in their league campaign, whilst only managing a 0-0 draw against Glasgow Celtic. The Estadio da Luz based entity have only
registered two victories since the start of the 2012/13 campaign, with both coming against minnows, Pacos de http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nacional-c39984.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere in Benfica’s dressing room is full of optimism. Manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus conceded that Barcelona are a better side, he argued that his charges cannot be ruled out of the fixture. He stated that they are aware of their rivals strengths
and their weaknesses, and know how to bring them down from their established lofty perch, pointing towards the defensive lapses the Catalan’s have suffered in recent weeks.
"It's true that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 is a team with another dimension," Jesus said.
"They are a bigger club and certainly more capable, with more resources, collectively, but, mainly, individually.”
"We have information about all our opponents and Barcelona is no different; and we will see if we can stop them more effectively than the other teams that have played them in the past.”
"I know that Barcelona normally win all the matches and I know that they come from seven straight victories, we know that is a difficult match, we respect them, but we don't fear them."
Benfica have inner knowledge of Barcelona’s machinery with Nolito standing up against his former club. The winger c*m attacker served in the reserve side for a long time and is fully doctrine in the philosophy of La Blaugrana. The young striker was full
of optimism ahead of the fixture, claiming that Benfica will only have the victory on their minds at Estadio da Luz.
UEFA have announced an all Turkish officiating team for the fixture. C. Cakιr will lead on the pitch, with B. Duran and T. Ongun serving on the sidelines, while M. Eyisoy will take the role of fourth official.
Prediction:
Barcelona come into the fixture with an awful defensive record on their backs. Only against Getafe have they given a complete performance, while letting in goals against Sevilla in their only other La Liga game on the road. Tito Vilanova has failed to address
the club’s problems so far. On the other hand, Benfica will be formidable rivals with the Portuguese crowd on their backs. It should be a nervy game, with the hosts managing to secure a draw at Estadio da Luz.
Benfica 1-1 Barcelona
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