23 November 2021 at 20:00
Match Summary
Barcelona and Benfica drew 0:0. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2021. 5 yellow cards were shown. Barcelona had 65% possession while Benfica held 35%. Barcelona had 14 shots (3 on target) compared to 7 (3 on target) for Benfica. Barcelona made 3 substitutions, Benfica made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Barcelona and Benfica — 0 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Barcelona had 65% possession against Benfica's 35%. Barcelona registered 14 shots (3 on target) while Benfica managed 7 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 6–3. Fouls committed: 13–14.
Lineups
Barcelona lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Xavi, while Benfica deployed a 3-4-2-1 under Jorge Jesus.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Barcelona is 6.86, compared to 6.91 for Benfica. 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. Barcelona's highest-rated starter is F. de Jong (7.11), while Benfica's best-rated player is N. Otamendi (7.12).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Barcelona have contributed 0 goals and 1 assists this season, led by —. Benfica's starters account for 1 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by Rafa Silva (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Barcelona deploy 3 defenders rated 6.61 on average, against Benfica's 3-man backline averaging 7.12. 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
Barcelona field 4 midfielders averaging 7.11, versus Benfica's 4 rated —. 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
Barcelona start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.85, compared to 3 for Benfica averaging 6.70. 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 91% for Barcelona and 84% for Benfica. 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
Barcelona's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 3 for Benfica. 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 Barcelona's starting XI is 27.0 (youngest: Gavi (21), oldest: M. ter Stegen (33)), while Benfica average 34.5 (youngest: Rafa Silva (32), oldest: N. Otamendi (37)). 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
Barcelona's starters average 5 league appearances each, versus 8 for Benfica. 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: Xavi
Substitutes
Coach: Jorge Jesus
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Barcelona have recorded 5 wins, 0 draws and 1 defeats. Benfica show 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Barcelona
Benfica
Barcelona vs Benfica Head to Head Results
Barcelona and Benfica have met 6 times — Barcelona won 4, Benfica won 1, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. Barcelona leads the head-to-head with 4 victories from 6 meetings. A combined 19 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.17 per match (11 for the home side, 8 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (33%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 3 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Barcelona are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–5 in 2025.
4
Barcelona
1
Drawn
1
Benfica
Recent Meetings (6)
API data: 23 Apr 2026