29 September 2021 at 19:00
Match Summary
Benfica defeated Barcelona 3:0. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2021. Goals were scored by D. Núñez 3′, Rafa Silva 69′, D. Núñez 79′ (pen.). 9 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Benfica had 40% possession while Barcelona held 60%. Benfica had 12 shots (6 on target) compared to 8 (1 on target) for Barcelona. Benfica made 5 substitutions, Barcelona made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty awarded (Gilberto 77′).
Match Events
Key match events between Benfica and Barcelona — 3 goals and 10 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Weigl
Penalty
Match Statistics
Benfica had 40% possession against Barcelona's 60%. Benfica registered 12 shots (6 on target) while Barcelona managed 8 (1 on target). Corner kicks: 4–5. Fouls committed: 12–15.
Lineups
Benfica lined up in a 3-4-3 formation under Jorge Jesus, while Barcelona deployed a 3-4-1-2 under R. Koeman.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Benfica is 6.91, compared to 6.94 for Barcelona. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Benfica's highest-rated starter is N. Otamendi (7.12), while Barcelona's best-rated player is Pedri (7.19).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Benfica have contributed 1 goals and 0 assists this season, led by Rafa Silva (1G). Barcelona's starters account for 0 goals and 3 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Benfica deploy 3 defenders rated 7.12 on average, against Barcelona's 3-man backline averaging 6.72. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Benfica field 4 midfielders averaging —, versus Barcelona's 4 rated 7.11. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Benfica start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.70, compared to 3 for Barcelona averaging 7.19. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 84% for Benfica and 91% for Barcelona. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Benfica's starters have collected 3 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Barcelona. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Benfica's starting XI is 34.5 (youngest: Rafa Silva (32), oldest: N. Otamendi (37)), while Barcelona average 26.8 (youngest: Pedri (23), oldest: M. ter Stegen (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Benfica's starters average 8 league appearances each, versus 8 for Barcelona. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Jorge Jesus
Substitutes
Coach: R. Koeman
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Benfica have recorded 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 defeats. Barcelona show 5 wins, 0 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Benfica
Barcelona
Benfica vs Barcelona Head to Head Results
Benfica and Barcelona have met 6 times — Benfica won 0, Barcelona won 4, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. Barcelona leads the head-to-head with 4 victories from 6 meetings. A combined 16 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.67 per match (5 for the home side, 11 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (33%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 2 games (33%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Barcelona are currently unbeaten in the last 6 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–5 in 2025.
0
Benfica
2
Drawn
4
Barcelona
Recent Meetings (6)
API data: 23 Apr 2026