Ronaldinho in a duel with Gilberto Santos in Lisbon on Tuesday. (AFP)

A Ronaldinho-inspired Barcelona have left the Catalonians favourites to move into the Champions League semi-finals after Tuesday night’s quarter final first leg in the Stadium of Light.

However, Benfica’s coach, Ronald Koeman, could be content with his well-organised defence which managed not to concede an away goal.

Benfica’s Brazilian ’keeper Moretto was in marvellous form for the home team, making several fine saves from Ronaldinho, Henrik Larsson and Cameroon international Samuel Eto’.

Koeman, a Barcelona hero after scoring an extra-time free kick against Sampdoria to win the European Cup in 1992, could still complete a giant-killing act against his former club.

Barcelona had several chances in the first half, with Ronaldinho living up to his reputation. The best came three minutes before the break when Ronaldinho fed Eto’ but his turn and shot was blocked by Moretto.

Then came embarrassment for Moretto when an attempted pass to a defender was intercepted by midfielder Mark van Bommel but his shot across goal from the left went wide of the target.

Barcelona kept up the pressure after the break and hit the woodwork twice within a minute, with Larsson shooting on to the right-hand post after being fed by Ronaldinho. Then, from a Ronaldinho corner, Thiago Motta rose to head on to the left-hand post.

On the hour, Ronaldinho was crowded off the ball on the edge of Benfica’s box and then Benfica had a chance through Geovanni on the counterattack but his shot was blocked away.

Ronaldinho then shot over the bar from a free-kick after Larsson was fouled just outside the area.

Barcelona made changes with 15 minutes left, bringing on Frenchman Ludovic Giuly for Larsson and Gabri Garcia for midfielder Deco but the away goal proved elusive.