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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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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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