UCL 1/4 Leg 1: SL Benfica x FC Barcelona [P+R]

[Punkt]

next Tuesday at Estádio da Luz

• The clubs met for the first time in the 1960/61 European Cup final which ended Real Madrid CF's run of five successive triumphs since the competition began. Benfica returned home from Berne with the trophy after a 3-2 win - they retained it the following year, beating Madrid 5-3 in Amsterdam - and it was they who earlier this month curtailed the reign of the most recent champions, Liverpool FC, in the first knockout round.

• The only other occasion the two sides faced up saw Barça emerge triumphant – and it proved a happy omen with captain Koeman going on to lift Europe's most prestigious club prize with a 1-0 victory at Wembley against UC Sampdoria. In the group stage that immediately preceded the final of the 1991/92 tournament, Barcelona earned a 0-0 draw in Portugal before a 2-1 home success.

source: uefa.com

==

in Benfica Nuno Gomes is banned for this match, Barça will not have Puyol (banned), Edmilson, Marquez and Messi (all injured)

 

[RobbieD_PL]

2 - 1 Benfica

Simao
Beto

Ronaldinho

 

[Dream Team]

If Barça can cope with the absences in defence (Puyol, Márquez and Edmilson), the victory is possible.

I don't think there will be a problem of motivation.

Deco and Ronaldinho didn't play the last league game. Iniesta is in very good form and I think he can fill the void left by Xavi. I hope he starts the game. Rodri (CB, Barça started the last game and he may start again on Tuesday.

I hope Rijkaard plays this: V.Valdes - Sylvinho/Gio, Rodri, Oleguer, Belletti - Motta, Deco, Iniesta - Ronaldinho, Larsson, Eto'o.

 

[Shindig]

Barca to maul them. There's no way in hell I'm living in a world where Laurent Robert gets anywhere near a CL medal.

 

[Yossarian]

^^^...........hurhurhur.........good stuff, man.

 

[ninobomba]

damn, its going to be a hard game, a tie will be great for Barcelona

 

[bjmenge]

I can't see Barca going out before the final, but this one may be tough for them with those injuries. 1-1, then.

 

[newbie original]

Barcelona 1:0 Benfica

Barca has that cutting edge this year that was not as pronounced last year.

 

[Funky--K]

luck does run out...

Barça to win 1 or 2-0

 

[::shinji::]

luck does run out...

true, but I don't think we've got this far in the CL because of luck. We've earned every single point.


As much as I hate to accept it, Barca is the best club in the world and just too strong for us. Our best chance to pass this round is hope for two 0-0 draws and take our chances in the penalty shootout... although can anyone imagine Barca being held scoreless over two games?

 

[Virgo]

I would be happy with a 0 - 0 draw and then push for the away goal in Barcelona.

I think Barcelona will win though, we've been very shaky, not creating goal chances, etc.

 

[Paulo Da Silva]

anything is possible, I think Benfica will tke advantage of Barca's weak defense and score atleats a goal, but i still think they'll lose.

1-1
Miccolli, Etoo

or 1-2
Miccolli, Etoo, DECO

 

[Filipower]

0-3

ronaldinho
eto'o
beto

 

[$teauA]

This will end in a tie. Barca's defense is garbage without Puyol and Marquez. Probably a 1-1 scoreline.


edit: btw this game will be live on espn2 in the US

 

[Punkt]

Benfica most probable line up:

Moretto, R.Rocha, Anderson, Luisão, Léo, Petit, M.Fernandes, Simão, Geovanni, Robert, Miccoli

i think we will score goals and if our defence shows at the same level as the recent CL games we could get a precious victory to defend at Nou Camp. it will be tough but it's not impossible. far from that.

 

[Moreira_Benfica]

wow puyol and marquez are both out , there 2 best defenders IMO we must come out of here with a win were we dont allow goals

sorry im i missing something but why the f*ck is r.rocha starting over nelson

 

[RuiCosta_10]

With concentration, determination, inspiration and a bit of luck (lol ) we can make it.

I believe in a 2-1 victory, with Simao and Geovanni goals for us, and Eto'o for Barça.

Anyway, no matter how this will end, we've gone way to far, so i will be happy and proud of our CL campaign even if we lose.

 

[INFESTA]

Benfica has a good chance to score a couple goals tomorrow, but having the chance don't necessarily mean they'll take it. My prediction is either a 1-1 draw or a Barça win.

With Moretto on goal Barça doesn't even need to do much: just cross a couple balls directly towards Benfica's keeper and he'll do the rest all by himself.

 

[jani]

haha Geovanni and Simao are gonna kill Barca

 

[::shinji::]

well, at least it's gonna be funny to see Deco receive abuse by Benfica fans everytime he touches the ball! :funny: