What do Barcelona need to directly qualify for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16? | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to resume their UCL campaign on Tuesday as they take on SL Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in their seventh league game of the season.

The Blaugrana have been in formidable form, securing victories in five out of their six matches played so far, amassing 15 points and currently sitting in second place, just behind Liverpool who lead with a perfect 18-point record.

How many points do Barcelona need?

As relayed by SPORT, Barcelona’s qualification for the Champions League round of 16 looks increasingly secure, with the Catalans needing just one more point to seal a top-eight spot – based on advanced AI analysis.

The new single league format involving 36 teams adds complexity, but with only two matchdays left, the data suggests a clear path for the Catalan giants.

To clinch one of the top eight spots, which guarantees direct entry to the knockout stages, Barcelona would only need to secure one additional point from their remaining games.

Hansi Flick will look to guide Barcelona back to winning ways this midweek (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This means a draw in their upcoming match against Benfica could mathematically confirm their place in the round of 16, assuming their competitors do not outperform them significantly.

With Barcelona’s current form, the AI estimates that even with the unpredictability of the new format, a mere draw or win would elevate them to a total of 16 or 18 points, well above the projected threshold of 16.08 points necessary for a top-eight finish.

That being said, Barcelona would like to be sure about their qualification chances by trying to secure a win against Benfica and possibly secure a draw against Liverpool, which will take them to 19 points.

In any case, Barça cannot take the Benfica game for granted, especially with opposition coach Bruno Lage tactically prepared to face the Catalans.