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Preview: Barcelona vs. Benfica

Preview: Barcelona vs. Benfica
© PA Photos
Sports Mole previews the Iberian Champions League group clash between Barcelona and Benfica.

For Benfica to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, they simply have to match the result that Celtic achieve at home to Spartak Moscow on Wednesday night.

However, what complicates the matter for the Portuguese club is the fact that their final group encounter is against Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

History is not on their side either, having not won against Spanish opposition for 30 years - a run that goes back 13 matches.

In contrast, hosting Barca are unbeaten in 18 home outings since a 2-1 defeat to Russian club Rubin Kazan in October 2009.

As Barcelona have already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners, coach Tito Vilanova may rest a number of his key players. Lionel Messi may still start though as he goes in search of a world record for goals in one year.

Meanwhile, Benfica have Luisao back from suspension, while Rodrigo is expected to start alongside Oscar Cardozo.

Interestingly, whenever these two clubs have met, the winners have gone on to lift the European Cup.

Recent form

Barcelona: WWWWW

Benfica: WWWWW

Possible starting lineups:

Barcelona: Pinto; Montoya, Barta, Song, Alba; Mascherano, Thiago, Fabregas; Messi, Villa, Pedro

Benfica: Artur Moraes; Luisao, Garay, Pereira, Martins; Matic, Salvio, Melgarejo, Gaitan; Rodrigo, Cardozo

Sports Mole says: 2-1


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Liam Apicella
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona26183571254657
2Real Madrid27176457263157
3Atletico MadridAtletico27168344182656
4Athletic Bilbao271310445242149
5Villarreal26128648361244
6Real BetisBetis2711883533241
7Mallorca27107102633-737
8Rayo Vallecano279992929036
9Celta Vigo27106114041-136
10Sevilla279993236-436
11Real Sociedad27104132328-534
12Getafe2789102322133
13GironaGirona2796123540-533
14Osasuna2671273237-533
15Espanyol2677122537-1228
16Valencia2769123045-1527
17Leganes2769122440-1627
18AlavesAlaves2768133040-1026
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2766153045-1524
20Real ValladolidValladolid2744191862-4416


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