Champions League challenge begins

Barça will face Portuguese side Benfica in the semi finals of the Champions League at 8pm CEST with the game on Barça TV+ live. The team from Lisbon will be a tough nut to crack in the last four as the two teams battle it out in the Arena Riga in Latvia for a place in Sunday's final. 

The Barça coach Jesús Velasco, with the exception of Velasco, has his whole squad available with Ferrao, Pito and Matheus all back from injury. Youngsters from the B squad Jorge Carrasco, Àlex Lluch and Nicolás Marrón are also in the squad. 

Benfica beat current European Champions Sporting 3-2 in their most recent outing in the Portuguese League. The Lisboans have recently added Vinícius Rocha to their squad, twice winner of the Champions League. 

The other semi final in the competition will be played on Friday also at 5pm CEST and sees holders Sporting take on ACCS from France. 

Velasco: 'They are worth rivals for the game' 

Jesús Velasco in the run up to the game gave his thought on his side's semi final opponents. "They have a complete squad and are great in all aspects of the game. They have a balanced line up and know how to play their game. They are worthy rivals for the semi-final," said the Barça coach.