Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova is expecting a tough encounter against Portuguese team Benfica in Tuesday's Champions League game.

Barca were lucky to escape with all three points in their opening encounter against Spartak Moscow, with Lionel Messi scoring two late goals to hand his side a 3-2 win. Vilanova is under no illusion that their second game away to Benfica will be any easier.

"I don't think that Benfica will sit back in midfield and wait for us," he said. "It's their first home game and I don't believe that Benfica will be happy with just one point.

"Benfica's attack worries me, but we play our way. Sevilla also had good wingers and created danger on the counter, but the important thing here is not to lose our identity and to keep our style of game. We'll see who can play for us and then we will analyse the opposition's strengths.

"It won't be easy, as we know from our two last matches here where we didn't score (Barcelona's only two previous visits produced goalless draws). They are strong in attack and dangerous on the wings. Benfica are a big club, and because of what they have done in the past, they have earned our respect."

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus insisted his side do not fear the Champions League favorites, saying they will take it as just another game. "For me, playing against Barcelona is normal, as we are in the Champions League where you play against the best teams," he said. "We had Celtic, now it's Barcelona.

"We'll try to stop them like any other team would. We respect them, but we don't fear them.

"Barcelona is not just Messi. Xavi and (Andres] Iniesta are the ones who give quality to their attacking game in the key areas where Messi appears to score. We have to defend properly, but with their individual skills they can make the difference.

"A point against the favourites would be good. Not losing in matches like this one is a good result.

"It will be a big European night, like we have had in recent seasons, so the big difference is that the opponent is Barcelona. The atmosphere will be great and we want to perform well against them, and if possible get a point."