After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Getafe, Barcelona will look to make amends as they tackle SL Benfica on Tuesday.
It will mark Barça’s seventh recreation in UCL’s league format, with the Catalans already holding a strong second place within the desk. The membership have gained 5 of their six matches up to now and are a favorite to complete inside the highest eight.
Heading into this important recreation, Benfica coach Bruno Lage has heaped reward on Barcelona, even labelling them as one of many favourites to win the UCL this season.
Benfica coach forward of Barcelona tie
“After all, they’re a candidate to win the Champions League. They’re a group with improbable gamers and collectively they’ve the Barça DNA, you possibly can see the coach’s hand.
“With a extra vertical recreation, stronger within the strain and within the defensive transitions, a really highly effective opponent,” Lage mentioned (h/t SPORT) when requested about his opponent this midweek.
Lage was additionally requested in regards to the technique Benfica should play with so as to beat the Catalans this week.
“Strategically we’ve to alter, it’s a distinct recreation and a distinct rival. Then we’ve to see the right way to play with and with out the ball. It’s important, the right way to create issues in a really superior line. That’s what we did right this moment,” he replied.
Bruno Lage’s Benfica are prepared for the Barcelona problem (Picture by Gualter Fatia/Getty Pictures)
“There are two elementary facets, one is that we take a look at ourselves, at the right way to play. With and with out the ball. How you can create issues for a ahead line of defense,” he concluded.
Lage’s eager observations are sufficient to recommend that Benfica are strategically ready to tackle Barcelona this midweek.
The Portuguese giants, in spite of everything, are recognized for his or her potential to trigger upsets in large European video games. Whether or not or not they’ll carry their A-game this week stays to be seen, although.
Within the league, Benfica are concerned in a detailed race with Sporting CP, with the Eagles trailing their rivals by simply three factors.
Within the Champions League, Benfica stand fifteenth within the league desk, with ten factors in six matches. They’re apparently forward of Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis, although quite a bit may change ought to they fail to trigger an upset in opposition to Barcelona.