TEAM NEWS: Messi is named as a substitute as Barcelona host Benfica

TEAM NEWS: Messi named as a substitute as Barcelona host Benfica

Dec 5, 2012 7:58:00 PM

The Argentina international does not make the starting XI for the Blaugrana's Champions League match this evening, as he goes in search of Gerd Muller's goalscoring record

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has chosen to name Lionel Messi as a substitute for tonight's clash with Benfica.

The 25-year-old starts on the bench for the Catalan giants, despite being just one goal shy of Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year.

Vilanova has opted for a youthful XI for the tie, with forward Rafinha starting alongside his older brother Thiago. Elsewhere Carles Planas plays at left-back for the Liga runners-up, while Cristian Tello starts on the left of an attacking three which also includes Rafinha and the experienced David Villa.

The home side have already qualified for the knockout stages of this year's competition after picking up 12 points from their opening five games, which has allowed Vilanova to rest a number of first-team players for this tie.

Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Pedro have been given time off by the Blaugrana trainer, and will return to full training on Thursday.

Benfica trainer Jorge Jesus names a full-strength starting XI, with Rodrigo partnering Lima in attack for the Portuguese side as they look to advance to the next stage at the expense of Celtic, who face Spartak Moscow in Group G's other fixture this evening.

Oscar Cardozo and Nicolas Gaitan are named as substitutes for the Eagles.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto; Montoya, Puyol, Adriano, Planas; Song, Thiago, Roberto; Rafinha, Villa, Tello

Subs: Valdes, Pique, Gomez, Dos Santos, Busquets, Messi, Deulofeu

Benfica (4-4-2): Artur; Pereira, Garay, Luisao, Melgarejo; Matic, Gomes, John, Nolito; Rodrigo, Lima

Subs: Lopes, Luisinho, Jardel, Almeida, Cesar, Gaitan, Cardozo

Inside Goal.Com

Like Owomoyela, like Sam
The German-Nigerian has been put in the dicey position of having to decide his international future after J Loew called him up last week
Player Ratings: Siena 1-2 AC Milan
Goal was on hand to judge all the players as Allegri's men finished third in Serie A and secured a Champions League berth next season
Player Ratings: Barcelona 2-1 Valladolid
Goal rates the players on show as the newly-crowned Liga champions cruised past the challenge of Miroslav Djukic's men to keep up hopes of reaching 100 points
Arsenal hold their nerve in top-four battle
Arsene Wenger's side produced a clinical performance to secure a top-four Premier League finish but now they must kick on if they wish to challenge for honours next year
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel