Barcelona president previews UCL clash vs SL Benfica – ‘It will be a tough tie’ | OneFootball

Speaking at the Mobile World Congress earlier today, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta weighed in on the team’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against SL Benfica coming up later this week.

The Blaugrana will lock horns with the Portuguese giants in the first leg of the Round of 16 on Wednesday night at Estadio da Luz – where they already beat Benfica 5-4 in the league phase.

Laporta expects a tough tie

Ahead of the Catalans’ trip to Portugal for the second time this season, club president Laporta claimed that they will be in for a difficult tie.

“Tomorrow we head to Lisbon, and we will see. It will be a tough tie, and we will do everything possible to get through it,” said Laporta about the game.

Barcelona have beaten Benfica once this season. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

The Barcelona president was accompanied by vice-president Elena Fort and board members Xavier Barbany, Angel Riudalbas, and Miquel Camps at the event.

Laporta closed the first day of the Sports Tomorrow Congress, an event focused on sports innovation, organised by the Barça Innovation Hub (BIHUB), emphasising that the club aims to build a legacy that extends beyond football.

“Of course, we are building a strong team, the best possible. But we are also building a legacy – a legacy that goes beyond trophies, that inspires new generations to dream big and play with passion,” said Laporta.

“In this ever-changing world, we must remember the beauty of football, the beauty of our unique playing style. The strength of our values is eternal; it will never change,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo