Evening all! The final round of Champions League group stage fixtures are upon us. As mentioned, Barcelona have already booked their spot in the next stage, indeed as group winners. But second position in the group is still very much up for grabs. Will it be Benfica or Celtic that secure their spot?

It would probably be fair that the romantics among us would want Celtic to advance to the next round, but Benfica beat the Scottish outfit when the pair met in Portugal on November 20 and may therefore feel they deserve to advance. On an evening where there are many possibilities, one thing is for certain, Sports Mole will keep you up to date with all the permutations as the night unfolds.

Here is a quite remarkable statistic: Whenever these two clubs have met in European competition, the winner has gone on to claim the trophy. That period began back in 1961 when Bela Guttmann’s Benfica side claimed the trophy. What a story it would be if the same happened this time around. Although I don’t think there are many punters out there backing Benfica for the trophy.

Barcelona’s recent home record against Portuguese opponents is quite stunning. They have managed 10 victories in each of their previous 10 home encounters against teams from their Iberian rivals. Meanwhile, Benfica have won none of their previous 13 fixtures against Spanish opposition, their last victory coming back in the 1982 UEFA Cup against Real Betis.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Thiago Alcantara and Sergi Roberto both start for the home side. But Lionel Messi is on the bench. Meanwhile, Benfica are without Oscar Cardozo, but Rodrigo does start in attack. Full team news to follow.

Teams:

Barcelona: Pinto; Montoya, Planas, Puyol, Adriano; Song, Thiago, Sergi; Rafinha, Villa, Tello

Benfica: Moraes; Luisao, Garay, Pereira, Matic; Gomes, Lima, Melgarejo, John; Rodrigo, Nolito

So, young team for the home side this evening, but they have still got some of their experienced stars on the pitch. If all doesn't go well they could always turn to their bench and the small matter of Lionel Messi. Surprising selection for the away side, meanwhile, with Cardozo and Nicolas Gaitan both starting on the bench.

Talking of Messi, all eyes will be on the Argentine if he comes on this evening. His double on matchday five took him to 56 Champions League goals. He remains just 15 short of Real Madrid striker Raul. Meanwhile, he needs just a singular strike to draw level with Gerd Muller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year. Whether or not it happens tonight remains to be seen, but it will happen.

Barcelona have left a host of key players out of their squad this evening. Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Javier Mascherano, Pedro, Jordi Alba and Cesc Fabregas will play no part. But in truth, Barcelona’s shadow side is better than most first teams in the competition. Watch out for Gerard Deulofeu if he comes on this evening, he is some talent.

Barcelona have also won 15 and lost none of their last 18 Champions League home matches. If Benfica are to pick up a result this evening then they will have to improve on their recent shooting accuracy. According to statistics only three teams in the competition have a worse shooting accuracy (37%) than the Portuguese outfit. Meanwhile, only two teams have scored with a lower percentage of shots (7%). But the numbers will not matter for Benfica this evening if they can secure their passage into the next round.

Let’s take a look at how both teams have fared in the competition thus far. Barcelona began their campaign with a slight scare as they twice had to come from behind to beat Spartak Moscow 3-2 at the Nou Camp. They followed up that result with an impressive 2-0 win in Benfica.

Victory then followed against Celtic at the Nou Camp, but they were then beaten by the Scottish outfit at Celtic Park despite registering 89% of the possession. It was a case of two shots, two goals for the home side. But the record books only say that Barcelona lost the match. It was a quite incredible game of football.

It was a lot more comfortable last time out, however, as they blew away Spartak Moscow in Russia with a 3-0 victory to secure their spot in the latter stages. There is no doubt that Barcelona are understrength this evening, but this is still Barcelona and this is still the Nou Camp and therefore Benfica really have a mountain to climb.

Benfica, meanwhile, began their group campaign with a 0-0 draw away at Celtic before suffering defeat to Barcelona in Portugal. Their poor start continued when they were beaten 2-1 by Spartak Moscow in Russia. They recovered with back-to-back wins against Spartak Moscow and Celtic, however, to give themselves hope of making the next round.

Champions League form out the way, let’s take a look at how both sides have fared in their domestic season. Well, Barcelona have recorded the best-ever start to a Spanish league season with 13 wins and one draw from 14 league matches. They are now six points ahead of Atletico Madrid, who sit second, and some 11 points ahead of current La Liga champions Real Madrid.

Benfica also enter the match in fine domestic form, however. They currently sit second in the Portuguese league, level on points with Porto, who sit top. Meanwhile, they have suffered just two defeats in 19 matches in all competitions this season. Both of which came in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow and Barcelona. Whatever way you look at that statistic, it is a quite incredible run at any level.

Benfica have also won their last seven matches in all competitions. When teams travel to the Nou Camp they are usually expecting to get beat. But Benfica are used to winning football matches. They are used to turning up as the favourites and playing with a swagger that comes with being one of the best teams in their domestic league. That is what makes this evening such a fascinating encounter.

Meanwhile, here’s a word from Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova prior to the match: “We will present a competitive team. It's an important game because we represent the club. It's the Champions League, and there are teams playing for qualification. There are players who are coming off injuries and this match will be perfect. It will be great motivation, for sure. Also, they are all professionals and always give their all. Benfica are a very dangerous team, especially up front, with Lima and (Oscar) Cardozo, who can create something at any time,” he told Eurosport.

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus added: “Celtic may qualify but if we don't count Barcelona, Spartak and us are the strongest of the group, in my opinion. I'm sick of repeating that Barcelona are the best in the world. Still, we go to Barcelona with a lot of confidence. The truth is they have one player who makes the difference and, without him, Barcelona are not as strong. Whether or not Lionel Messi plays, we go there to win."

Here we go then. We are just about five minutes from the start of play. Want to know the Celtic score? Have no fear, I will provide regular updates from their match against Spartak Moscow. My prediction for this match is a home win. Barcelona are understrength, but I still think they will have too much on their own turf.

Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The Champions League tune is like music to the ears isn't it? This is the best competition in the world. Forget the World Cup. This is the tournament which pits the best teams in world football against each other. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action.

Handshakes? Check. Flags exchanged? Check. Passionate home crowd? Check. Just a reminder that there is no Messi in the starting team this evening, he is on the bench. But David Villa does start in attack. Meanwhile, Benfica prefer Rodrigo to Cardozo.

Here we go then. Barcelona get us underway on this mild evening in Spain. A final reminder that the home side have already booked their spot in the knockout stage of the competition, but Benfica need to secure a result this evening in order to have a chance of taking second position.

Fairly scrappy start to the match with both sides exchanging possession in midfield. Neither has really settled into a passing rhythm thus far. The names may have changed for Barcelona but their football will remain the same. But there are early signs that Benfica are here to attack this evening.

It has been a bright start from Benfica with the Portuguese outfit forcing a couple of corners in quick succession. However, Puyol clears the first before Pinto thumps the second clear. The attacking threat remains as Benfica pass and probe around the edge of the box, but eventually the danger is cleared.

Barcelona have just taken control of the possession in the past few moments with Thiago and Alex Song enjoying a passing combination in midfield. However, we still await the first real chance of the evening. It is amazing how a passing style can be adopted by a side regardless of their personnel. And people wonder why Spain continue to produce top players.

First real chance of the evening comes to Barcelona as Adriano drives through the middle of the Benfica defence before finding Villa, but the Spanish striker is just ruled offside as he attempts to finish from close range. Meanwhile, a bright run from Rafinha down the right raises the noise in the crowd. Much better from the Catalan outfit.

Slight concern for the Benfica goalkeeper Artur as he clashes with Villa, but a little work with the magic sponge allows him to return to his feet. The latest sighter for the home side was again ruled offside, but replays have suggested that Villa was indeed level with Luisao. Barcelona are now in control of the tempo of the match.

CHANCE! Oh my word. Wonderful chance for Benfica as Rodrigo advances on goal, but somehow he fires wide of the post from close range. The look from his teammates says it all. All he had to do was square it and Ola John had a tap in from about five yards. Incredible.

Those are the kind of chances that you simply have to take at the Nou Camp. Both sides are holding such high defensive lines and it is inviting the long pass in behind. With the Nou Camp pitch among the biggest in Europe, it is perfect for that kind of football. Another half-chance for Benfica as Nolito fires a low cross into the box, but John cannot make contact.

Barcelona are certainly not comfortable at the moment with Pinto slicing a back-pass out of play. The throw is taken by Montoya, but immediately Benfica press and force the defender into a loose pass which is eventually cleared by Puyol. Barcelona advance down the other end, but once more the final pass is lacking.

Possession football from Barcelona at the moment with Song, Thiago and Roberto enjoying possession in midfield. The pass is eventually slid through to Villa, but Luisao steps across to clear the danger. The Portuguese outfit look very well drilled in defence at the moment.

Benfica enjoy a period inside the Barcelona half as they force a couple of throws before Lima fires a high cross into the penalty area, but Montoya is on hand to head behind for a corner. The set piece is taken by Andre Gomes, but once more Song is on hand to clear the danger. Good spell for the Portuguese outfit.

CHANCE! Another golden opportunity falls to Benfica as Pereira finds the head of Lima in the penalty area, but the striker can only head wide from close range. Barcelona may have dominated possession but the best two chances have fallen to the away side.

The threat from Barcelona is coming on the break at the moment with Tello and Rafinha threatening with their pace, but the final pass has just been off-target thus far. Villa continues to look for the early pass in behind, but it has been a frustrating opening 24 minutes for the striker.

Update: Celtic 1-0 Spartak Moscow (Hooper): Celtic have taken the lead in Scotland. As it stands they would move onto 10 points and Benfica would remain third with eight.

Half-chance for the home side this time as Villa finds the run of Tello in behind, but the winger loses control of the ball as he rounds the goalkeeper. Another chance follows moments later, but Luisao heads clear from under his own crossbar. End-to-end football at the moment.

The crowd let their frustrations known as Tello loses possession in the Benfica half. The Portuguese side launch a counter attack with Rodrigo carrying the ball all of 30 yards, but it comes to nothing as Puyol clears for a throw. It hasn't quite happened for the home side as an attacking unit thus far.

Bright football from the home side almost creates a chance for Villa as Rafinha combines with Thiago before finding the run of the Spanish striker, but once more Villa is ruled offside. What is that the third or fourth time in the opening 30 minutes But you have to feel that he will get it right at some point this evening.

It's brilliant play from Benfica on the counter attack as John whips a low cross into the penalty area, but Adriano just beats Rodrigo to the ball and clears for a corner. But the set piece is poor from the away side and Planas clears the danger. A reminder that Benfica have to win this evening if the Celtic result stays the same.

POST! Oh my word. How on earth are Benfica not ahead in this match? This time the chance comes to Lima as he beats Planas in the area before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but Pinto just pushes it onto the post. They really have had some chances.

CHANCE! Another chance comes to the away side as John dances into the penalty area before releasing an effort on goal, but Pinto makes the save at his near post. It is no exaggeration to say that they could have had four in this opening 36 minutes of football.

Benfica remain the better side as we enter the final six or seven minutes of the half. They really should be ahead in this match. Barcelona have offered nothing as an attacking threat. But you get the feeling that will change in the second period. Benfica need a goal before the interval.

Barcelona have just settled the match in the past few minutes with a spell of possession. Meanwhile, a couple of fouls has disrupted the away side's attacking intent. Rafinha displays decent feet down the other end for the home side, but once more the danger is cleared.

Another half-chance comes to Benfica as Lima combines with Rodrigo, but the latter's pass for Nolito is just short and Puyol clears the danger. There is such a big gap between the Barcelona defence and midfield and it is causing them all sorts of problems. Sergio Busquets at the break maybe?!

Update: Celtic 1-1 Spartak Moscow (Ari): Spartak Moscow have equalised against Celtic in Scotland five minutes before the interval.

Half-chance for the home side as Thiago whips a high cross into the penalty area, but once more Villa is ruled offside. Benfica advance immediately down the other end with Lima, but the danger is thumped clear by Puyol. Little over one minute of the half remaining.

Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half. Barcelona have settled in the past few moments and will end the opening period with possession.

So there we have it. Barcelona and Benfica enter the break level at 0-0. But in truth the Portuguese outfit should be ahead. They have had three golden chances to open the scoring, but they simply could not find the back of the net.

However, as it stands Benfica sit in second spot in the group with Celtic and Spartak Moscow level at 1-1. But it could have been so much more comfortable had they taken their chances. Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football.

Barcelona have dominated the possession with 69%, but they have managed just a singular attempt on target to Benfica's seven. Yes, seven. It is incredible that they are not ahead. The home side's young team has struggled to really grab hold of this match thus far.

Let's go out and about in Europe. Chelsea are 2-0 ahead against Nordsjaelland. Meanwhile, Shakhtar and Juventus are level at 0-0. In Group F Bayern are beating BATE and Valencia are beating Lille. Meanwhile, in Group H Braga lead Galatasaray and Manchester United are drawing at home to Cluj.

Here we go then. Benfica get the action underway in the second period. No changes for either side at the break. As it stands Benfica will join Barcelona in the knockout stages of the Champions League. But we have a long 45 minutes ahead of us.

CHANCE! Golden chance for the away side in the early stages of the second period as Lima finds Nolito in the penalty area, but the striker's effort just moves wide of the post. Pinto could only stand and stare. How many chances do Benfica need? It will come back to haunt them. You just know it will.

The home supporters raise their voice as Villa wins a high challenge with Garay before finding Tello out wide, but the youngster just cannot keep possession and the danger is cleared. Villa eventually collects once more, but his strike is straight at Luisao.

Shock horror! Villa is caught offside once more. How many is that this evening? The striker lets his frustration known at his teammates who have delayed the final pass thus far. Meanwhile, the biggest cheer of the evening erupts around the stadium as Messi warms up on the sideline.

Another half-chance comes to the away side as Pereira strikes an effort from the edge of the penalty area, but it is straight at Pinto and the Barcelona goalkeeper immediately releases Adriano. But once more the home side's attack breaks down. They have been really poor this evening.

Half-chance for the home side this time as Tello wins a free kick outside the penalty area. Villa steps up to take the set piece, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. But the tempo has been slightly better from Barcelona in the past few moments.

CHANCE! Best opportunity of the half for Barcelona as Tello dances past the challenge of Pereira before going one-on-one with Artur, but the winger loses his balance at the final moment and the Benfica goalkeeper collects the danger. Benfica are under a period of pressure as we approach the hour mark.

Another half-chance comes to Barcelona as Tello finds Villa in the penalty area, but the striker just cannot find the back of the net from close range. However, there is better news for the home side with a certain Messi about to enter the frame.

Messi does indeed join the action in place of Rafinha. He has 30 minutes to level Gerd Muller’s record. This is an evening made for the little Argentine. However, the match has just become scrappy in the past few moments with both sides giving away a host of fouls.

Couple of half-chances for both sides in the past few moments with Villa striking wide from close range before Luisao heads straight at Pinto from close range. Another attack comes to the home side as Villa advances on goal, but he loses contact with the ball. Meanwhile, change for Benfica as Nolito is replaced by Bruno Cesar.

Benfica continue to look the most likely with Ola causing problems with his pace and power. But still the opening goal eludes them. The away supporters are the ones making the noise at the moment with little under 25 minutes of football to play at the Nou Camp. The score remains 0-0.

Another change for the home side as Gerard Pique replaces Adriano. Meanwhile, Benfica continue to create opportunities as Ola drives into the penalty area, but once more the finish is lacking and Pinto restarts play with a goal kick.

Barcelona force their first corner of the evening after 70 minutes as Thiago is dispossessed by Garay, but the midfielder’s corner is headed clear by Luisao. Such a vital 20 minutes of football from the Portuguese outfit. Celtic remained tied with Spartak Moscow in Scotland.

Messi tries to do it alone for Barcelona as he beats the challenge of three Benfica defenders before driving into the penalty area, but he is just dispossessed at the final moment and Artur is on hand to clear the danger. Meanwhile, the away side are preparing another change.

Benfica do indeed make a change as Lima is replaced by Oscar Cardozo. Meanwhile, Rodrigo is also replaced by Andre Almeida. It remains such a tightly-contested match with little over 15 minutes remaining. The chances have certainly been fewer in the second period, but Benfica continue to look the side more likely.

It does appear that Benfica have settled for a point with 15 minutes remaining but that could prove so dangerous. As it stands they will make it through to the next stage, but a goal here or a goal in Scotland would change everything. Barcelona certainly look likely with Messi on the pitch.

Change for Barcelona as Tello is replaced by Gerard Deulofeu. Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Barcelona are controlling possession, but Benfica are sitting deeper and deeper wary of the threat now posed by Messi.

Possession football from the home side at the moment with Song and Thiago dominating the ball in midfield. The fact that Benfica have not brought Cardozo onto the pitch tells you everything about their gameplan for the last 10 or so minutes in this match.

Update: Celtic 2-1 Spartak (Commons): Celtic have taken the lead in Scotland! As it stands they would grab second spot and a place in the next round.

CHANCE! Golden chance for Messi as the Argentine dances round Artur before chipping towards the top corner, but the Benfica goalkeeper just gets back to make the save and what a save it was. Messi appears to have done himself some mischief there.

Messi eventually returns to his feet much to the delight of the home crowd and his teammates alike. Little over five minutes of football remaining and Benfica need to score or they are not making it through to the next round of the competition.

Well we thought Messi had returned to his feet, but he has now sat back down. This is not like the Argentine and there are serious concerns over that left knee. The stretcher is just a precaution but this does not look too clever. Barcelona may finish the match with 10 men.

The action is back underway. There is no way that Messi will be coming back onto the pitch this evening so they will finish with 10 men. There is little over a minute of normal time remaining but there will be a fair chunk of stoppage time as Gerard fires wide from close range.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes at the end of the 90. Celtic lead, Benfica need to score. Barcelona are down to 10 men. It is all happening here. Will there be late drama?

Barcelona are controlling possession at the moment as Benfica struggle to get hold of the ball. Pinto uses up an extra few seconds as he hangs onto the ball in his own penalty area. If Benfica are going to score then it simply has to come now. How many chances have they had this evening?!

Little over one minute of time remaining and another Benfica attack breaks down. Barcelona advance down the other end with Villa, but the danger is cleared. We really are entering the final seconds here. It is now or never for Benfica.

FULL-TIME: Celtic 2-1 Spartak Moscow: Celtic book their spot in the knockout stages at the expense of Benfica.

Benfica are eliminated from the competition following a 0-0 draw with Barcelona. They had chances to win it, but it wasn't to be and they will now play Europa League football. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Goodnight!