Barcelona fans not happy with UEFA over scheduling of reverse fixture vs Benfica | OneFootball

Barcelona fans have been left frustrated after UEFA’s decision to schedule the club’s second-leg fixture against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at an unusual time.

According to reports from SPORT, the match will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at 18:45 CET, a choice that has sparked widespread discontent among supporters.

Typically, the most high-profile Champions League clashes are scheduled for the later time slot of 21:00 CET. However, UEFA’s decision to place Barcelona’s crucial second-leg match in the earlier slot has raised eyebrows.

Backlash from the fans

Many fans believe that such an early kick-off is inconvenient, especially for those who may struggle to reach the stadium after work or follow the game in prime-time viewing hours.

As soon as the schedule was confirmed, the reaction from Barcelona’s fanbase was immediate.

Supporters took to social media to express their frustration, with some suggesting that the match timing was more suited for tourists rather than the club’s loyal followers.

Others questioned why a fixture of such significance was not given the more prominent late-evening slot, which is usually reserved for marquee encounters in the competition.

Important match for Barcelona

Regardless of the controversy surrounding the timing, this fixture will be significant in determining the first team to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

With the match taking place ahead of other second-leg ties, Barcelona or Benfica will be the first club to book their place in the next round.

Heading into this decisive clash, Barcelona hold a narrow advantage. A well-placed strike from Raphinha in the first leg secured a 1-0 victory for the Catalan giants.

However, the tie is far from over. Benfica, known for their attacking threat, will visit Barcelona determined to overturn the deficit and keep their European hopes alive.