Barcelona has already clinched the top spot in Group G, but Benfica will be looking for to clinch a spot in the round of 16.
Barca has had a near perfect tournament and win Lionel Messi on fire (he has scored 84 goals on the year and is just one goal away from tying Gerd Muller's record), they have looked invincible of late. They started off the campaign with a questionable 3-2 win over Spartak Moscow and another dubious effort in a 2-0 win over Benfica. Then they met their match in Celtic who took them to the fourth minute in stoppage before the Spaniards won the match 2-1. Celtic answered with a powerful 2-1 win but Barcelona then authored their best performance in a 3-0 win over Moscow. Messi might want to tie and break the record at home so look for the Argentine star to be at his best against Benfica.
The Portuguese side has had a rougher tournament. They opened with a 0-0 draw with Celtic before being shut down by Barcelona. Spartak Moscow took them down 2-1 and seemingly eliminated, but Benfica rallied with a 2-0 win over Moscow and a 2-1 victory over Celtic. They must win this game if they don't want to pray for a Celtic loss.
Prediction: Messi's day will come, but I don't think it will be on this day. Benfica will channel the energy and keep Barcelona at bay. However, I think this ends in a 0-0 draw.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
TV Info: Fox Deportes
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