The unexpected and shocking passing of Barcelona club doctor, Carles Miñarro Garcia, at the weekend means that, quite rightly, football has taken a back seat for the Blaugranes.
Players who would’ve been in no fit state to play on Saturday night after receiving such awful news will now have to somehow gather themselves and be laser focused on the job in hand, putting everything else to the backs of their minds for 90 minutes at least on Tuesday.
Business that could see Barca in the Champions League quarter-finals by close of play.
SL Benfica v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
With Benfica not able to call upon the excellence of Alvaro Carreras after he was booked in the first-leg of the Round of 16 tie last week, the hosts could have even richer pickings than usual when Lamine Yamal gets forward.
It’s important to target the Portuguese side’s left-flank too because Nicolas Otamendi will undoubtedly feel under more pressure than usual to cover his full-back, and the Argentinian won’t hold back in the tackle which could work to Barca’s advantage.
Pau Cubarsi’s unfortunate red at the Stadium of Light means he misses the return, but Ronald Araujo should have more than enough about him in a physical sense to be able to deal with Vangelis Pavlidis.
The Greek striker has been a constant thorn in the side of the Catalans, and whilst he isn’t the only player that can cause problems for Hansi Flick and the high line that Barca have used to great effect this season, curtailing his physicality all but takes away his edge.
SL Benfica Vs FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round Of 16 First Leg Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
If Dani Olmo is to start this one again, dropping Frenkie de Jong to the bench for either Marc Casado or Gavi would be preferable.
Though the Dutchman can play as the anchorman in the midfield, that role is more suited to others.
If Olmo is benched of course, that affords De Jong the opportunity to play further forward and break through the lines.
A fluidity of movement from the front men is vital, as is a fast start because if Benfica are effectively two down in the tie before the second leg has got going, they have no choice but to come out and play and that will suit Barca down to the ground.