FC Barcelona were one of the best teams in the League Phase of the newly formatted UEFA Champions League, as they won 6 matches, drew 1, and lost another 1, to finish second on the table, below only Liverpool, and advance to the Round of 16 directly.
With the new format, the top 8 teams in the League Phase were to get a direct qualification to the Round of 16, while the 16 teams below them had to play in a play-off round.
This play-off round has now been concluded, and the draw for the Round of 16 has also been held. Word from UEFA headquarters in Nyon is that Barcelona has been paired with Benfica, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
The first leg of this Round of 16 tie is scheduled to take place on 4/5th March, while the second leg will take place a week later, on 11/12th March.
Even though some fans would have been hoping for a tie against Paris Saint Germain, which was the other possible opponent for the Catalans for this stage of the competition, there is no doubt that this match-up against Benfica will also be a highly entertaining one.
The two sides already faced off in the League Phase, and this match offered highly entertaining football for the fans of both sides, as Barcelona ultimately emerged as the winners with a 4-5 scoreline.
Going even more deeper in the past, the two sides also met in the 2021-22 season in the Group Stage. The Portuguese side beat the Catalans 2-0 at their home before the match at the Camp Nou ended in a 0-0 draw.
This loss and draw proved to be disastrous for the Blaugranes as they were eliminated from the group stage and went to play in the Europa League that season.
Given this rich history and the intensity of their rivalry, the upcoming tie is a must-watch for Barcelona supporters. Fans hoping to experience the action live at the stadium can buy tickets from Live Football Tickets.
With Benfica posing a formidable challenge, La Blaugrana will aim to replicate their League Phase heroics and advance deeper into the competition. This Round of 16 clash is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in this storied matchup.
