Barcelona’s hopes for a strong first leg showing in Lisbon gave a heavy blow after Pau Cubarsi received a straight red card on their first leg with Benfica.
Cubarsi was rejected in just twenty minutes after being judged to have refused an opportunity to predict, as Benfica’s danger, Vangelis Pavlidis, burst.
In the half time, however, the score remained miserable.
It was far from the beginning of Barcelona boss Hansi Flick would hop, as La Liga leaders face a potentially nervous evening in a bad Estadio da luz.
Barcelona under 10 men! 🟥
PAU CUBARSI IS SENT OFF FOR A CHALLENGE ON VANGELIS PAVLIDIS OUTSIDE THE BOX
📺 @tntsports & @DiscoveryPlusuk pic.twitter.com/yidocqtxem
– Football at TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 5 2025
The previous meeting between the two sides in the championship phase in January ended 5-4 on Flick’s side after an exciting competition.
Benfica will feel the opportunity to avenge revenge while enhancing their chances of moving on to the last eight in front of a second foot conflict at Nou camp next week.
The Portuguese side is known loudly in front of fans of the house and are currently on an impressive undefeated course of eight games in all matches.
They beat Monaco 4-3 in a total of the Championship Championship to reach the 16th round.
