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Photo by Rita Franca/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images A ‘tough and complicated’ match is expected Barcelona sporting director Deco has shared his thoughts on the Champions League draw after seeing the Catalans drawn against Benfica in the last 16.The fixtures sees the two teams meet again in Europe this season, with Deco admitting the Portuguese side made Barca suffer in the 5-4 win in the group phase.“We already faced Benfica in the qualifying round.
The game we had there was extremely tough and we suffered a lot,” he said.“We managed an important and historic comeback away from home, but we could have lost because they are a very strong team. We can’t think any further ahead because first we have to beat Benfica, which will be very tough and complicated, especially at home.
”Deco also refused to get carried away and said Barca won’t be thinking about a potential final just yet.“For me, PSG was one of the favourites last season and ended up being eliminated against Borussia Dortmund,” he added.“In the Champions League , the favouritism goes away, there are powerful teams on all sides.
You have to think game by game.”Friday’s draw has thrown up some intriguing ties, such as Real Madrid vs Atletico, Bayern vs Leverkusen and PSG up against Liverpool, and Deco says Madrid can’t be ruled out. ”All teams have better and worse moments.
Madrid have been doing well for quite some time and are scoring goals,” he explained.“Mbappe is spectacular. All great teams have runs and good moments don’t last forever, but at Barça we have to take advantage of ours.
”Barcelona’s clash against Benfica promises to be a real thriller, with the winners going on to face either Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals..
