Barcelona vs Benfica: 2/1 & EVS tips ahead of Nou Camp kick-off

Champions League football returns to the Nou Camp when Barcelona welcome Benfica for the second leg of their round of sixteen tie. 

Our tipster Brad Walker (@brad_TWalker) has picked out a 2/1 fancy for the encounter. 

Barcelona vs Benfica analysis - Hosts are tournament favourites for a reason

It's easy to see why Barcelona are hotly-tipped to lift this season's Champions League. The Catalan giants have been in sumptious form of late, having avoided defeat in their last 16 matches in all competitions. 

Thirteen of those also ended in a Barcelona victory, including seven of their last eight in Europe's premier club competition. Hansi Flick's side return to home turf with a 1-0 lead from the first leg at the Estadio da Luz, despite having to play over two thirds of the match with 10 men. 

Compare with visitors Benfica, who have actually failed to win three of their last five in this competition following last week's result. To be fair, the three games in question all occurred on home turf for Benfica, who have actually fared better on the road in recent times. They've won five of their previous six away matches in the Champions League heading into this one. 

Best bet for Barcelona vs Benfica on Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Selection #1 - Barcelona to win 'to nil' - 2/1

We've already discussed the Spanish club's success this season, but their impressive defensive record at home is also worth highlighting. 

While the win in Portugal last week was their first away clean sheet in this competition, Barcelona have already registered shutouts in two of their home fixtures. 

In fact, the two matches which they did concede in saw them face-off against two impressive sides in Bayern Munich and Atalanta. 

Barcelona have also recorded clean sheets in three of their last five La Liga matches at the Nou Camp and face a Benfica side which has already failed to score two times on their travels in the Champions League. 

Putting all of this together, it may well be worth banking on the hosts winning without conceding once again, particularly given the juicy 2/1 price on offer.

Selection #2 - Raphina to have over 3.5+ shots - Evens

What's more to say about the Brazilian that hasn't already been said? Raphinha appears to be in direct competition with Mohamed Salah to win the Ballon D'or and the former is putting up a pretty solid case. 

He's already netted nine goals in this season's Champions League while also averaging a whopping four shots per game. 

Raphinha tearing it up this season 😮‍💨#UCL pic.twitter.com/PExPkK8ydC

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 10, 2025

It therefore probably isn't a surprise to see him taking four shots or more come in at even money.

The bet has came in for three of his last five appearances in the competition. 

Brad Walker's best bet for Barcelona vs Benfica