Champions League
Benfica
MonacoBenfica edge past Monaco in a dramatic six-goal encounter, sealing a 4-3 aggregate win and advancing to the Champions League last 16. The Portuguese side, holding a narrow advantage from the first leg, faced a resilient Monaco side that fought until the final whistle.
⏱️ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘:
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) February 18, 2025
🇩🇪 Bayern Munich 1-1 Celtic 🏴 (3-2)
🇮🇹 Atalanta 1-3 Club Brugge 🇧🇪 (2-5)
🇵🇹 Benfica 3-3 Monaco 🇲🇨 (4-3)#ATACLU #FCBCEL #BENASM #UCL #Champions_League pic.twitter.com/r23cMMFjIy
Benfica Start Strong but Monaco Responds
With the home crowd behind them, Benfica started the match with confidence. In the 22nd minute, Kerem Akturkoglu broke the deadlock after latching onto a precise pass from Vangelis Pavlidis, putting Benfica in control.
However, Monaco wasted no time in responding. Just ten minutes later, Japanese midfielder Takumi Minamino found the net with a well-placed shot, leveling the score and shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors.
Monaco Take the Lead After Half-Time
The second half saw Monaco come out aggressively, determined to overturn their first-leg deficit. Their persistence paid off in the 50th minute when Eliesse Ben Seghir unleashed a brilliant first-time effort, giving the French side a 2-1 lead on the night and putting pressure back on Benfica.
But the Portuguese giants responded swiftly. Awarded a penalty just minutes later, Vangelis Pavlidis stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, bringing the score to 2-2 and restoring Benfica’s aggregate advantage.
Late Goals Decide a Classic Encounter
As the match neared its conclusion, the drama intensified. In the 81st minute, Monaco substitute George Ilenikhena reignited his team’s hopes by scoring a crucial goal to put his side ahead once again. With the aggregate score level, extra time loomed large.
However, Benfica refused to let the match slip away. Just three minutes after Monaco’s goal, Orkun Kokcu delivered a powerful strike, leveling the score at 3-3 on the night and ensuring a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Portuguese side.
🌟 Kökcü é o 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 do #SLBASM!#UCL pic.twitter.com/Tote0F20xL
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) February 18, 2025
Benfica edge past Monaco Advance to the Champions League Last 16
With this result, Benfica edge past Monaco and secure their place in the Champions League last 16. The Portuguese club now awaits the draw to determine whether they will face Liverpool or Barcelona in the next round.
This thrilling encounter showcased Benfica’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure, making them a dangerous contender as the tournament progresses.
FAQs
How did Benfica edge past Monaco in the Champions League?
Benfica secured a 4-3 aggregate victory against Monaco in a thrilling second-leg encounter, scoring a late equalizer to seal their place in the last 16.
Who were the key players in the Benfica vs. Monaco match?
Kerem Akturkoglu, Vangelis Pavlidis, Orkun Kokcu, Takumi Minamino, and Eliesse Ben Seghir played crucial roles in the match, contributing to the intense six-goal thriller.
What was the final score of Benfica vs. Monaco?
The match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, but Benfica advanced with a 4-3 aggregate win due to their first-leg advantage.
Which teams could Benfica face in the next round?
Benfica will face either Liverpool or Barcelona in the Champions League last 16, depending on the upcoming draw.
Did Monaco take the lead during the match?
Yes, Monaco led twice during the match, first at 2-1 and later at 3-2, but Benfica equalized both times to secure their overall victory.
Where was the Benfica vs. Monaco match played?
The match was played at Benfica’s home stadium, where the Portuguese side capitalized on their first-leg advantage to progress.
