The Barça-Benfica game at Camp Nou could turn into a family occasion for Thiago, Rafinha and Rodrigo. The three are all cousins and this match could mark the first time they go head to head on the football pitch. There was a chance it would happen in the first game, but Thiago picked up an injury and Rafhina was not on the list.

Their fathers were also footballers; Thiago and Rafinha's father was Mazinho and Rodrigo's was Adalberto. They were both at Celta de Vigo at the same time although their sons were trained at the city's other club, Ureca. Thiago and Rodrigo played together in that team which won the regional title, even beating Celta de Vigo.

It is not the first time they have played for the same team, as both have previously been part of the Spanish under-19 national squad. They face each other now under very different circumstances however. Thiago is recovering from an injury and there is nothing better than playing a game in which Barcelona has nothing at risk where he can pick up his competitive pace.

The situation for Rodrigo is different. Benfica will arrive at Camp Nou hoping to come away with a positive result and thereby qualify for the next round ahead of Celtic. Everything points to the former Madrid player being in the starting line-up.

Rafhina, the youngest cousin, may also get some playing time after being called up by Vilanova.