UCL: Xavi start Yusuf Demir, Ronald Araujo for crucial Benfica tie

In his second match in charge of FC Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez faces the massive challenge of securing a victory in a crucial UEFA Champions League tie against Benfica on Tuesday. A loss could mean a shock group-stage exit for the Catalan club. 

For the tie, Xavi has brought back Yusuf Demir to the starting lineup after giving 17-year-old Ilias Akhomach a run in La Liga on the weekend. Benfica are strong opposition and thumped Barcelona 3-0 in the reverse fixture. However, now back at Camp Nou and rejuvenated under new management Barcelona will be eyeing redemption. 

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Currently, Barcelona are two points ahead of Benfica and second on the points table behind Bayern Munich, who have been in a league of their own. Under former manager Ronald Koeman, Barcelona managed to win only their home and away ties against Dynamo Kyiv. If Benfica can grab a victory at Barcelona, they would be marching towards the knockout phases. 

Talking about the game, Xavi said earlier, “There is no doubt that it will be a difficult match. But we have to think positively. I’m not contemplating any other scenario than a victory.”

Also Read | Pass, pass, pass: Barcelona caps off Xavi’s debut with victory over Espanyol

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Against Espanyol, Xavi used Akhomach, from Barcelona’s “B” team, as one of his wingers, with fellow 17-year-old Gavi Paéz improvised on the other side. Akhomach isn’t eligible to play in the Champions League and hence Demir will take his spot on the right. Memphis Depay will lead the line.

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal behind a back four of Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba. Sergio Busquets will anchor the midfield, with Frenkie de Jong and Nico on either side of him.

Benfica (3-4-2-1): Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Otamendi, Vertonghen, Grimaldo; Weigl, Joao Mario; Almeida, Rafa Silva, Everton; Yaremchuk.