Barcelona vs Benfica Predictions

• Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions
• Barcelona’s last three contests have featured 13 goals
• Benfica have scored in four of their last five Champions League games

Goals could flow in Catalonia

Barcelona edged Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie but the goals could flow when the sides reconvene at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Despite going down to ten men after 22 minutes when Pau Cubarsi was sent off, Barca dug deep to win thanks to Raphinha’s strike, although Benfica were lively with 26 shots, eight of which were on target.

They must attack the second leg given the deficit and that could lead to a more open match this time around.

Already this season, these sides played out a thriller when Barcelona won 5-4 in Lisbon in January, having trailed 4-2 in that game until the 78th minute.

Benfica showed their attacking prowess on that occasion with forward Vangelis Pavlidis scoring a hat-trick in the opening 30 minutes of the game and they can contribute to another high-scoring matchup.

Expect Barca to maintain unbeaten run

But it is hard to ignore the fact Barcelona finished second in the league phase of the Champions League and they head into this contest on a 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Benfica will be more exposed than usual given they need to win the game and Barca should capitalise, so a home win and over 2.5 goals looks like a wise pick.

As for a correct score, a 3-1 for Barcelona could be the way to go.