Barcelona and Benfica Poised for Thrilling Champions League Rematch

Barcelona prepares for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Benfica, with both teams emphasizing attacking play and key lineup changes confirmed.

• Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has announced three lineup changes, with Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez, and Frenkie de Jong returning to the starting XI.
• Flick emphasized the importance of improving defensive focus and counterattacks, reflecting on their prior 5-4 comeback win over Benfica in January.
• Benfica manager Bruno Lage expects an exciting, attacking match and aims to exploit Barcelona's defensive spaces, despite injuries sidelining key players Angel Di Maria and Florentino Luis.
• Barcelona enters the match as one of the tournament favorites but faces no 'easy' path, with potential quarterfinal opponents Borussia Dortmund or Lille awaiting the winner.
• Both teams acknowledge the decisive nature of the two-legged tie, with Benfica seeking redemption after their dramatic group-stage loss to Barcelona.

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