MADRID, March 10 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona has to overcome tragedy when it takes on Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League tie on Tuesday night aiming to defend a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Barcelona's La Liga game at home to Osasuna on Saturday night was postponed following the shock death of club doctor Carles Minarro prior to the game and the club has asked UEFA to allow the players to not speak to the press prior to the game as a mark of respect.

Barca coach Hansi Flick was planning to make squad rotations for Saturday's game, resting players such as Pedri, Raphinha and Inigo Martinez ahead of Tuesday's game.

The fact that Saturday's game was postponed means the Barca squad has been able to rest, which makes Flick's task of selecting his side for Tuesday much easier.

With central defender Pau Cubarsi suspended after his red card last week in Lisbon, Martinez and Ronald Araujo will play in central defense, with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde as full backs.

Frenkie de Jong and Pedri (both of whom were due for a weekend rest) will play in central midfield, with Dani Olmo in the 'number 10' role behind Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.

Flick did speak to the press and said he believed the team was "managing" the death of Dr Minarro "well," and that the players wanted to dedicate a win to him on Tuesday.

"It is a great loss, he was a great person and an excellent doctor, who was incredible for the team and the club and a key piece in our team. We will miss him," said Flick.

"We want to play for him to tomorrow and we want to win this important match for him. We are prepared for that," added the coach. Enditem

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