Preview:Barcelona vs. Benfica

For Benfica to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, they simply have to match the result that Celtic achieve at home to Spartak Moscow on Wednesday night.

However, what complicates the matter for the Portuguese club is the fact that their final group encounter is against Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

History is not on their side either, having not won against Spanish opposition for 30 years - a run that goes back 13 matches.

In contrast, hosting Barca are unbeaten in 18 home outings since a 2-1 defeat to Russian club Rubin Kazan in October 2009.

As Barcelona have already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners, coach Tito Vilanova may rest a number of his key players. Lionel Messi may still start though as he goes in search of a world record for goals in one year.

Meanwhile, Benfica have Luisao back from suspension, while Rodrigo is expected to start alongside Oscar Cardozo.

Interestingly, whenever these two clubs have met, the winners have gone on to lift the European Cup.

Recent form

Barcelona: WWWWW

Benfica: WWWWW

Possible starting lineups:

Barcelona: Pinto; Montoya, Barta, Song, Alba; Mascherano, Thiago, Fabregas; Messi, Villa, Pedro

Benfica: Artur Moraes; Luisao, Garay, Pereira, Martins; Matic, Salvio, Melgarejo, Gaitan; Rodrigo, Cardozo

Sports Mole says: 2-1