Benfica Edges Out Monaco in Thrilling Champions League Play-off

Benfica secured their place in the Champions League last 16 after a captivating 3-3 draw against Monaco in Lisbon. The result ensured a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Portuguese side, following their 1-0 win in Monaco during the first leg of the play-off.

The second leg was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Monaco displaying their attacking prowess, particularly after a somewhat lackluster start from Benfica. The match took place at the Estadio da Luz, where Monaco initially appeared to be the stronger side, despite Benfica holding the advantage from the first leg.

First Half Action

Monaco’s early appeals for a penalty were dismissed, and Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, was called into action to make a crucial save from Krepin Diatta. Against the run of play, Benfica took the lead in the 22nd minute. A mistake from Monaco defender Wilfried Singo, who slipped under pressure, allowed Vangelis Pavlidis to set up Kerem Aktürkoglu, who converted the chance to make it 1-0 for Benfica.

Monaco responded strongly. Breel Embolo’s header bounced off the post, narrowly missing the equalizer. Moments later, Takumi Minamino, formerly of Liverpool, found the net, squeezing a shot past Trubin to level the score. Monaco almost took the lead before halftime, but Embolo missed a good opportunity, sending his shot over the bar after being set up by Maghnes Akliouche.

Second Half Drama

The second half started with Eliesse ben Seghir testing Trubin with another save. However, Ben Seghir soon found the net with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, putting Monaco ahead. Benfica was then presented with a chance to equalize when Thilo Kehrer fouled Fredrik Aursnes, resulting in a penalty. Pavlidis stepped up and converted the penalty, scoring his seventh goal of the campaign and leveling the score at 2-2.

Monaco continued to press, and substitute George Ilenikhena scored with nine minutes remaining, making it 3-2 for the visitors. However, Benfica responded quickly, with Orkun Kokcu flicking Alvaro Fernandez’s cross past Monaco’s goalkeeper, Radoslaw Majecki, to level the score at 3-3 and secure Benfica’s aggregate win.

Match Summary

• Benfica: Advanced to Champions League last 16 with a 4-3 aggregate win.
• Key Moments: Goals from Aktürkoglu, Pavlidis (penalty), and Kokcu.
• Monaco: Goals from Minamino, Ben Seghir, and Ilenikhena.

Benfica now awaits the draw to find out whether they will face Barcelona or Liverpool in the next round.