Barcelona 0-0 Benfica: 5 Talking Points as fortuitous Blaugrana split points at home  | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

#3 Veterans Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen showcase their experience on the big stage

FC Barcelona vs SL Benfica: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Nicolas Otamendi of Benfica had an impressive outing at Barcelona. He had some rough months in England before his move to Benfica. But the two-time Premier League winner showed his ability to put in a shift on the big stage.

Memphis Depay spent the entire evening either straying offside or failing to win aerial and ground duels. The Dutch international did not get a sniff at goal, courtesy of a brilliant performance from the former Manchester City player.

Otamendi had his focus on not letting Memphis Depay get into his groove. Meanwhile, Jan Vertonghen was challenged by Nico Gonzalez and Yusuf Demir, but the defender came out on top. He helped secure a clean sheet for his team, completing five recoveries, two tackles and winning seven duels.

---

#2 It could've gone from bad to worse for Barcelona

Xavi's men were lucky not to concede a late winner.

Ronald Araujo was centimetres away from being Barcelona's first Champions League goal-scorer under Xavi. But the goal was ruled out for offside. The defender had got on the end of a Jordi Alba cross brilliantly in the 83rd minute, and produced a fabulous finish.

Minutes after Araújo's goal was ruled out, Benfica found themselves in a two-on-one position against Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Haris Seferovic was gifted with the best chance of the game in the dying minutes. All he had to do was keep his shot on target to win the game for Benfica.

Somehow, the 29-year-old managed to fluff his lines, and hit his shot off target. That gave Barcelona something to hang on for the night and the final matchday.

Benfica, despite producing a top-notch performance, have themselves to blame if they do not qualify for the knockouts. They had as many shots on target as Barcelona did, but the Portuguese team couldn't convert their chances when it mattered the most.

---

#1 Sergio Busquets continues to amaze

FC Barcelona vs RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

The phrase 'age like fine wine' might just be written for Sergio Busquets. He produced another night of pure quality and precision. The 33-year-old dominated the middle of the pitch, just like he used to alongside his current manager.

Busquets racked up a whopping 111 touches throughout the 90 minutes, and everything Barcelona did went through him, like it has been for the past decade. The midfielder maestro created three chances, completed 79 accurate passes, won 12 duels on the pitch and completed 14 recoveries. He was one of the best Champions League performers of the week.

Talented and world-class midfielders have arrived at Barcelona over the years, and left without making a name for themselves. But Busquets has been a mainstay from day one for the club.

Giving him adequate rest while also keeping him fit for the important games would certainly be one of the biggest challenges Xavi would face in his tenure as Barcelona's manager.