After serving up a nine-goal classic in the league phase, Barcelona and Benfica are ready to go at it again, this time with a Champions League quarter-final spot on the line.
The Estadio da Luz will be rocking as the Portuguese giants aim to take down one of the tournament’s most electrifying teams. Benfica’s road to the last 16 wasn’t straightforward, needing a nail-biting playoff win over Monaco to secure their place.
But Bruno Lage’s men are in red-hot form, level on points with Sporting Lisbon domestically and unbeaten in their last eight matches. If their January clash with Barca is anything to go by, expect another night of chaos and goals.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are purring under Hansi Flick. Their attacking firepower has been unmatched in Europe this season, smashing in 28 goals across the league phase – more than any other team. Flick’s men are still unbeaten in 2025, and their latest 4-0 demolition of Real Sociedad sent a clear message to the continent: this team means business.
With Liverpool, Real Madrid, PSG, and Atletico Madrid all on the other side of the draw, the Blaugrana faithful are starting to dream of a return to the final for the first time since 2015. But first, they have to handle a Benfica side that thrives on unpredictability and thrives in front of its home crowd
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Barcelona vs. Benfica live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: Paramount+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the English language. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which is offering a FREE trial for new subscribers.
What time does Barcelona vs. Benfica kick off?
This Champions League clash takes place at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal and kicks off on Wednesday, March 5 at 8 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Mar. 5 | 3 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Mar. 5 | 2 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Mar. 5 | 1 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Mar. 5 | 12 p.m. |
Barcelona vs. Benfica predicted lineups, team news
The fact the weekend win over Real Sociedad ultimately became a procession due to an early red card means Barca can go with a strong and at least partly rested team.
Inigo Martinez and Alejandro Balde should return to the defence after sitting things out on Sunday, while Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are also likely to be restored to the lineup, although the latter’s involvement will depend on whether he recovers from illness.
The front three of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha picks itself. With 69 goals scored between them this season, they are a formidable test for any side left in this competition.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — De Jong, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha — Lewandowski
Injured: Ter Stegen (knee), Bernal (knee), Christensen (calf)
Suspended: None
Benfica were afforded extra rest as they did not play last weekend, but the injury picture for Bruno Lage’s team is not exactly encouraging.
Midfielder Florentino and former Real Madrid star Angel Di Maria are still recovering from thigh injuries and did not train on Sunday. A Bola reported that there is hope one or both could be available this week, but it is touch and go.
Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are out for the season after knee surgeries, while Renato Sanches and Tiago Gouveia are still some time away from a return. Bruma, signed from Braga in January, was left off the squad list for the Champions League knockouts as he is serving a three-game ban in European competition anyway.
Benfica predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Trubin (GK) — Araujo, A. Silva, Otamendi, Carreras — Aursnes, Barreiro, Kokcu — Akturtoglu, Pavlidis, Dahl
Injured: Sanches (muscle), Gouveia (knee), Manu Silva (knee), Bah (knee), Florentino (thigh, doubt), Di Maria (thigh, doubt)
Suspended: Bruma (red card/ineligible)
Champions League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Tuesday, March 4
- Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa (12:45 p.m.)
- Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid (3 p.m.)
- PSV vs. Arsenal (3 p.m.)
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille (3 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 5
- Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan (12:45 p.m.)
- Benfica vs. Barcelona (3 p.m.)
- PSG vs. Liverpool (3 p.m.)
- Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusn (3 p.m.)
