Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Barcelona followers have been left pissed off after UEFA’s choice to schedule the membership’s second-leg fixture in opposition to Benfica within the UEFA Champions League spherical of 16 at an uncommon time.
In response to reviews from SPORT, the match will happen on Tuesday, March 11, at 18:45 CET, a alternative that has sparked widespread discontent amongst supporters.
Sometimes, essentially the most high-profile Champions League clashes are scheduled for the later time slot of 21:00 CET. Nonetheless, UEFA’s choice to put Barcelona’s essential second-leg match within the earlier slot has raised eyebrows.
Backlash from the followers
Many followers imagine that such an early kick-off is inconvenient, particularly for many who could battle to achieve the stadium after work or observe the sport in prime-time viewing hours.
As quickly because the schedule was confirmed, the response from Barcelona’s fanbase was instant.
𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗦
📌 𝗜𝗱𝗮 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝟭/𝟴 𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
⚽ Benfica – Barça
🗓 05/03 – 21.00 horas
🏟️ Estádio da Luz
📌 𝗩𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝟭/𝟴 𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
⚽ Barça – Benfica
🗓 11/03 – 18.45 horas
🏟️ Estadi Olímpic pic.twitter.com/rVFLLz5ysw
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) February 21, 2025
Supporters took to social media to specific their frustration, with some suggesting that the match timing was extra suited to vacationers moderately than the membership’s loyal followers.
Others questioned why a fixture of such significance was not given the extra distinguished late-evening slot, which is normally reserved for marquee encounters within the competitors.
Essential match for Barcelona
Whatever the controversy surrounding the timing, this fixture shall be vital in figuring out the primary workforce to safe a spot within the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
With the match going down forward of different second-leg ties, Barcelona or Benfica would be the first membership to e book their place within the subsequent spherical.
Heading into this decisive conflict, Barcelona maintain a slim benefit. A well-placed strike from Raphinha within the first leg secured a 1-0 victory for the Catalan giants.
Nonetheless, the tie is way from over. Benfica, identified for his or her attacking risk, will go to Barcelona decided to overturn the deficit and preserve their European hopes alive.
