Barça vs. SL Benfica: High-Stakes Clash in WSE Champions League Semifinals
The road to European glory reaches a fever pitch today as Ricard Ares’ Barça takes on SL Benfica in the semifinals of the WSE Champions League Final 8. Held at the Pabellón Multideportivo Dr. Mário Mexia de Coímbra, this matchup pits two giants of roller hockey against each other in a battle where only one can secure a spot in Sunday’s grand finale.
The Road to Coímbra: Epic Wins and Narrow Escapes
Barça enters this semifinal riding a wave of momentum and sheer resilience. Their path to this stage was defined by “épica,” securing a 2-0 victory over Sporting CP. The match was decided in dramatic fashion, with Marc Grau netting a double in the final two minutes of extra time. While Grau provided the finishing touch, goalkeeper Sergi Fernández was the foundation of the win, acting as an impenetrable wall to keep Sporting at bay.
SL Benfica, known as the “águilas,” arrived at the semifinals through a much more precarious route. After a 2-2 deadlock in regulation time against Reus Deportiu Brasilia, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. The deciding moment came when a penalty missed by Jansà paved the way for Benfica’s advancement.
A Battle of Titans: Favorites vs. Legacy
On paper, Benfica arrives as one of the primary favorites to lift the trophy. Their dominance was evident during the regular phase, where they led Group B with an impressive 28 points. They represent a maximum-demand challenge for the azulgranas.
For Barça, the motivation is rooted in a storied history and a desire to reclaim their throne. The club holds a record 22 European Cups—more than any other team on the continent—but they haven’t tasted Champions victory since 2018. For Ricard Ares and his squad, this match is the final hurdle before the championship game.
Match Schedule and Venue
The clash takes place today, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Pabellón Multideportivo Dr. Mário Mexia de Coímbra. Fans should note the following kickoff times:
- Spain: 17:00 hours
- Portugal: 16:00 hours
Should Barça advance, the men’s final is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, at 19:00 (Spanish time) / 18:00 (Portuguese time).
How to Watch Barça vs. SL Benfica Live
Depending on your location, there are several ways to follow the action live:
- Spain and Catalunya: The match will be broadcast live and free-to-air on Esport3.
- Portugal: Viewers can tune in via RTP 2 or DAZN 4.
- Global Streaming: For those without access to these channels, the official World Skate Europe TV platform provides free streaming on any device with an internet connection.
Key Takeaways
- The Stakes: A spot in the WSE Champions League Final this Sunday.
- Barça’s Form: Coming off a 2-0 extra-time win against Sporting CP.
- Benfica’s Status: Group B leaders (28 points) and tournament favorites.
- Historical Context: Barça seeks their first Champions title since 2018 to add to their 22 European Cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the coach of Barça’s roller hockey team?
The team is led by Ricard Ares.
Where is the WSE Champions League Final 8 being held?
The tournament is taking place at the Pabellón Multideportivo Dr. Mário Mexia de Coímbra.
How can I watch the match for free online?
The match is streamed for free globally via World Skate Europe TV (europe.worldskate.tv).