MADRID: FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has underlined that "every game" the club plays is crucial as he prepares for the Champions League match against Benfica at home late on Tuesday, which will have a major impact on the rest of the season.

Barca will advance to the knockout stage of the competition if they beat the Portuguese team 3-0 earlier this season, but if they lose or draw, they will be forced to settle for a place in the considerably less lucrative Europa League in the New Year.

"Every game is important, but this is Barcelona, and we have to compete every three days," Xavi remarked, insisting that he regarded the match as a chance. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to qualify for the last-16, exact revenge, and proclaim that "we are Barca."" According to sources, the coach said in his pre-game press conference, "We're playing at home, and I welcome the challenge." Pedri, Martin Braithwaite, Sergio Kun Aguero, and Ousmane Dembele, who all missed Barca's 1-0 win over Espanyol on November 20, are still unable to participate, while the teenage wingers Ilias and Abde, who played at the weekend, were not included in the Champions League squad.

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