Benfica host Barcelona in Group E of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday on Paramount+ and Ronald Koeman’s men are under pressure to get all three points after being soundly beaten by Bayern Munich last time out. The Portuguese hosts drew 0-0 with Dynamo Kyiv in their opener which makes all home games at Estadio Da Luz of importance to build up enough points to at least emerge from the group and into UEFA Europa League soccer.
Here is how you can watch the match and what to know:
Viewing information
- Date: Wednesday, Sept. 29 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Da Luz — Lisbon, Portugal
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Benfica +200; Draw +230; Barca +140 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Benfica: A goalless draw in Ukraine last time out means that three points have become more important here against a vulnerable Barca side which could be beaten to second spot behind the Germans. Jorge Jesus’ men are clear at the Portuguese summit which makes this a tough trip for the Catalans and gives the home side an edge.
Barcelona:
Still reeling after their thumping at the hands of Bayern, the Blaugrana’s league form has started to pick up after a good win over Levante. However, Koeman’s position at Camp Nou remains precarious and there is no option but to win here to keep the pressure off.
Prediction
A score draw which might not be enough to keep Koeman in a job after this week with Atletico Madrid away to come. Neither side will be too thrilled with a point which could also enable Bayern to pull further clear in their clash with Dynamo Kyiv. Pick: Benfica 1-1 Barcelona.
