FC Barcelona's squad list for its Champions League league phase trip to Benfica on Tuesday had an unexpected surprise when published at the turn of the week.

Scenarios for knockout phase qualification with leaders Liverpool on the verge of round of 16 spot along with Barcelona

The Blaugrana have been among the top teams in the Champions League this season, occupying second place in the league standings with five wins and 15 points through six games. Hansi Flick's men secured a big win last time out in the competition, defeating Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in Germany in early December.

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,

Barcelona are just about hanging onto the coat tails of Real Madrid in LaLiga, although they have fallen seven points off the top despite some good recent results. Their Champions League run has been spectacular; they are sitting in the second spot in the league phase, just behind Liverpool.

Liverpool could seal their place in the top eight but the picture is lot less rosy for Manchester City, Real Madrid and PSG

The UEFA Champions League is the most celebrated club tournament in the world, and has been won most-often by Real Madrid, who extended their own record tally by beating Borussia

The UEFA Champions League returns following the break for the Christmas holidays. Two group-stage matches remain in January under this season’s new format, with much at stake.The top eight teams