European football resumes again this week, and Barcelona Femeni will be opening their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign today when they face Benfica at the Estadi johan Cryuff.
Since that infamous 3-2 comeback against Wolfsburg in Eindhoven, where the Catalan queens won the second European title in the club’s history, Barcelona has not played a Champions League game. However, Barcelona’s defense of their European crown begins tomorrow against Benfica on home soil.
Head-to-head
Barcelona and Benfica have faced each other twice in the competition, with Barcelona winning both games. In similar fashion to the competition’s last edition, Barcelona will be playing her first UWCL game of the season against Benfica.
The most recent clash between both sides was their first group stage game last season. The Blaugrana handed the Portuguese side a huge defeat on opening day following a 9-0 victory in the first group game of the competition.
Matchday Squad
The club has released a 23-man squad list for the Champions League clash against Benfica, and the list can be found on the club’s official X account and other official social media pages.
La primera convocatòria a Europa ⚡#BarçaBenfica pic.twitter.com/NRlvwvAGup
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) November 14, 2023
Injuries
Barcelona is still without the service of Fridolina Rolfo (knee). Bruna Vilamala (thigh) is also unavailable for selection due to injury.
Possible Lineup
Barcelona will be hoping for nothing but a win in the first game of the Champions League, and as such, the head coach will most likely start the game with a strong squad, especially considering the squad rotation seen in their game against Villareal during the weekend.
Starting lineup
Panos, Mapi, Paredes, Bronze, Batlle, Walsh, Patri, Aitana, Graham, Mariona, and Paralluelo
Substitutes
Coll, Jana, Marta, Brugts, Alexia, Engen, Gemma, Corrales, Vicky, Dragoni and Martina
Kick-off
Time: 20:00 UTC, 21:00 WAT, 16:00 EST
Date: November 14, 2023
Venue: Estadi Johan Cryuff
Where to watch
You can watch the UEFA Women’s Champions League clash between Barcelona Femeni and Benfica live on YouTube at DAZN Women’s Football.
