Barcelona predicted lineup vs Benfica - Champions League | OneFootball

Barcelona faltered at the end of 2024, but a return to their most potent form in the new year means Hansi Flick's side are once again tracking towards a memorable campaign.

Their Champions League journey continues on Wednesday night as they make their second trip to Lisbon of the year. We're in for a treat if the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie is anywhere near as good as the league phase tussle in January.

Barca's squad is currently healthy and deep, allowing them to compete on multiple fronts, but that does mean the manager has a few big calls to make on the selection front for Wednesday's game.

Here's how Barcelona could line up against Benfica in midweek.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Benfica (4-2-3-1)

Raphinha scored a dramatic late winner in Lisbon during the league phase / Pedro Salado/GettyImages

GK: Wojciech Szczesny - The experienced goalkeeper will want to produce a much improved performance on Wednesday after serving up a chaotic display between the sticks in Lisbon just over a month ago.

RB: Jules Kounde - No Barcelona player has notched more Champions League minutes than Kounde (703) this season.

CB: Pau Cubarsi - The teenager has proven on many occasions that he's ready for the biggest stages and the brightest lights. He already has experience of Champions League knockout football.

CB: Inigo Martinez - Ronald Araujo was on the scoresheet after returning to the starting XI at the weekend, but Martinez could return to the team in Lisbon. The Spaniard was an unused substitute against his former club on Sunday.

LB: Alejandro Balde - The left-back has been in tremendous form this season and was handed a breather at the weekend with this fixture undoubtedly in mind.

CM: Frenkie de Jong - Marc Casado scored his first Barcelona goal against Real Sociedad and will be considered for a start. However, Flick has started to trust De Jong in 2025 and we could see the Dutchman back in the manager's team here.

CM: Pedri - The Champions League knockouts give you the chance to enjoy Barcelona's sensational do-it-all midfielder. Pedri has been nothing short of outstanding this season, and he played an instrumental role in Barca's revival against Benfica in January.

RW: Lamine Yamal - The teenager hasn't scored in a month but remains a dazzling force down Barca's right. He starred without a goal contribution at the weekend.

AM: Dani Olmo - There are a few candidates for the number ten position, but Olmo is the star capable of making the most happen from between the lines. His presence has been felt in Barca's recent victories.

LW: Raphinha - The Brazilian netted the dramatic late winner to secure a 5-4 win for Barcelona on their last trip to Lisbon, and Raphinha leads the club with 12 Champions League goal involvements in just eight games so far this season.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - The veteran forward has already enjoyed the most productive season of his Barcelona career, and he's well in the hunt to end the Champions League campaign as the tournament's top scorer.