Benfica see off Monaco in six-goal thriller to reach last 16

Benfica held determined AS Monaco to a 3-3 draw in a thrilling second leg of their Champions League knockout phase playoff on Tuesday, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory that propelled them into the competition's last 16. The match, played in front of a packed Estádio da Luz, was a pulsating encounter filled with drama, high-intensity action, and moments of individual brilliance that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Having carried a slender one-goal advantage from the first leg, Benfica knew they needed a disciplined performance to withstand the attacking threats posed by Monaco. The Portuguese side started the match brightly and found the breakthrough in the 22nd minute. Vangelis Pavlidis, a key player in Benfica's attacking setup, displayed his vision by threading a precise pass into the path of Kerem Aktürkoglu, who made no mistake from close range, slotting the ball past Monaco's goalkeeper to give the hosts an early lead.

Monaco, however, refused to be discouraged by the setback and showed their resilience by responding swiftly. Just ten minutes later, the visitors found an equalizer through Takumi Minamino. A well-worked move saw the Japanese midfielder capitalize on a defensive lapse, calmly finishing past Anatoliy Trubin to restore parity and inject new life into the contest. The momentum swung in Monaco's favor as they continued to press forward with purpose, creating several dangerous opportunities.

Shortly after the halftime interval, Monaco stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the 51st minute. Eliesse Ben Seghir, showcasing his exceptional technical ability, unleashed a stunning first-time shot that curled beautifully inside the right post, leaving Trubin with no chance. The goal was a testament to Monaco's attacking quality and further highlighted the challenge Benfica faced in their quest to advance.

The hosts, however, were handed a crucial lifeline when referee Daniele Orsato pointed to the penalty spot after Thilo Kehrer brought down Fredrik Aursnes inside the box. Pavlidis, stepping up with confidence, dispatched the penalty with clinical precision to make it 2-2, sending the home fans into raptures. It was a vital goal that shifted the momentum once again and reignited Benfica's belief in their ability to progress.

The closing stages of the match were nothing short of electrifying. With just nine minutes remaining, Monaco substitute George Ilenikhena made an instant impact, restoring his team's lead with a composed finish, drilling the ball low into the middle of the goal. The strike appeared to set the stage for a dramatic Monaco triumph, but Benfica had other plans.

Only three minutes later, Orkun Kökçü rose to the occasion with a moment of brilliance, latching onto a pinpoint cross from Álvaro Carreras and rifling home a crucial equalizer. The stadium erupted as Benfica once again drew level, effectively sealing their place in the last 16 with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline. Kökçü, who was later named the player of the match, expressed his joy at helping his team advance. "It was a hard game with lots of running, but in the end, I am really happy that I could score and help us go through to the next stage," he said in a post-match interview.

With their victory, Benfica now look ahead to the next round, where they will face either Liverpool or Barcelona, depending on Friday's draw. The Portuguese giants will be eager to build on their impressive European campaign, having demonstrated resilience and attacking prowess throughout the tie.

Monaco, despite their spirited effort, were left heartbroken. The Ligue 1 side had given their traveling fans hope of a dramatic comeback, particularly after an early golden chance by Krépin Diatta was denied by Trubin. Their pressing game and relentless attacking intent created numerous openings, yet they ultimately fell short.

Benfica's historical dominance over French clubs at home played a key role in their psychological edge heading into the match. Having already beaten Monaco twice this season, including a 3-2 victory in the league phase, the Portuguese side maintained their undefeated record against French opposition in Lisbon. The result adds another chapter to Benfica's impressive European pedigree.

Monaco's performance was characterized by courage and attacking flair, as seen when Breel Embolo rattled the post before Minamino's equalizer. The Swiss forward also squandered a crucial opportunity in first-half stoppage time, a moment that could have dramatically altered the outcome of the tie. Despite their efforts, Monaco struggled to contain Benfica's counterattacks, which ultimately proved decisive.

Benfica's penalty was a turning point, as Pavlidis continued to showcase his importance to the team. The Greek striker, who joined Benfica from AZ Alkmaar in July, has now netted seven goals in the competition this season, further cementing his status as a key attacking outlet for the Portuguese outfit. His composure under pressure ensured Benfica remained on course for qualification.

The closing exchanges of the match saw a desperate Monaco push forward in search of a fourth goal that would take the tie to extra time. However, Benfica's defensive resilience and Trubin's steady goalkeeping ensured that the hosts held firm. The final whistle marked the end of a dramatic contest, with the home side celebrating their hard-fought progression to the next stage of the competition.

Monaco last reached the Champions League last 16 in 2017, a campaign that saw them advance to the semifinals. This season, they had aspirations of replicating that deep run, but their journey was cut short by a Benfica side that combined attacking efficiency with defensive determination. The Ligue 1 outfit will now shift their focus to domestic challenges, knowing they pushed one of Europe’s most experienced teams to the limit.

Benfica, on the other hand, will take pride in their return to the Champions League knockout rounds after suffering a disappointing group-stage exit last season. Having reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and 2023, they will be aiming to go one step further this time around. The squad’s blend of youthful energy and experienced campaigners makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the next round.

As they await the draw for the last 16, Benfica's fans will be dreaming of another deep run in the competition. Whether they face the might of Liverpool or the technical brilliance of Barcelona, one thing is certain—this team has the talent and resilience to compete with Europe's elite. Their thrilling encounter with Monaco was a testament to their fighting spirit, and they will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their Champions League journey.