Match Summary
Barcelona defeated Benfica 5:4. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2024. Goals were scored by V. Pavlidis 2′, R. Lewandowski 13′ (pen.), V. Pavlidis 22′, V. Pavlidis 30′ (pen.), Raphinha 64′, R. Araujo 68′ (o.g.), R. Lewandowski 78′ (pen.), Eric García 86′, Raphinha 90′. 5 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Benfica had 26% possession while Barcelona held 74%. Benfica had 10 shots (5 on target) compared to 22 (11 on target) for Barcelona. Expected goals: Benfica 3.34 — Barcelona 3.63. Benfica made 5 substitutions, Barcelona made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Alejandro Balde 12′).
Match Events
Key match events between Benfica and Barcelona — 9 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Álvaro Fernández
Penalty
Penalty
Own Goal
Penalty
assist: Pedri
assist: Ferran Torres
Match Statistics
Benfica had 26% possession against Barcelona's 74%. Benfica registered 10 shots (5 on target) while Barcelona managed 22 (11 on target). Corner kicks: 2–6. Fouls committed: 9–9.
Lineups
Benfica lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Bruno Lage, while Barcelona deployed a 4-2-3-1 under H. Flick.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Benfica is 7.13, compared to 6.98 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 A. Schjelderup (7.37), while Barcelona's best-rated player is Lamine Yamal (7.98).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Benfica have contributed 5 goals and 5 assists this season, led by A. Schjelderup (3G). Barcelona's starters account for 11 goals and 8 assists, spearheaded by Lamine Yamal (5G). 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 4 defenders rated 7.11 on average, against Barcelona's 4-man backline averaging 6.83. 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 3 midfielders averaging 6.86, versus Barcelona's 5 rated 7.32. 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 7.37, compared to 1 for Barcelona averaging 6.92. 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 79% for Benfica and 86% 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 4 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 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 24.3 (youngest: A. Schjelderup (21), oldest: F. Aursnes (30)), while Barcelona average 24.8 (youngest: Pau Cubarsí (18), oldest: R. Lewandowski (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
Benfica's starters average 12 league appearances each, versus 6 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
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Benfica have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Barcelona show 5 wins, 1 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Benfica
Barcelona
API data: 15 Mar 2026