Monaco vs Benfica

Benfica will once again step onto the pitch at the Stade Louis II as they prepare to face Monaco in the Champions League knockout round playoffs on Wednesday night. This marks their second visit to the principality this season, and they will undoubtedly be looking to replicate the success of their previous encounter, where they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory. Meanwhile, Monaco, currently navigating a difficult stretch, will aim to turn their fortunes around and capitalize on their home advantage.

Having initially appeared strong contenders for a top-eight finish during the league phase, Monaco ultimately finished in a disappointing 17th place, which denied them a seeded position for these playoffs. Their downfall can be traced back to key matches, most notably their 3-0 loss at San Siro against Inter Milan on matchday eight. However, the unraveling of their campaign began with their 3-2 defeat against Benfica earlier in the season, a result that marked the beginning of their descent in the standings.

Despite their struggles, Monaco can take some solace in achieving their minimum goal for the tournament. Having suffered consecutive group-stage eliminations in recent years, their return to the competition after an absence since the 2018-19 season represents progress. A top-24 finish was a reasonable aspiration at the outset, and while their current form is far from ideal, they remain in contention.

The new year has presented Monaco with formidable opponents, and the results have not been in their favor. With five losses in nine matches in 2025, they have struggled to maintain consistency. Their defensive frailties have been particularly concerning, conceding 11 goals in their last four games. Most recently, they suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, a result that saw them slip out of the top three in Ligue 1 for the first time in several months. Such a setback is far from the ideal preparation for a crucial home leg in the Champions League.

Monaco's historical struggles against Benfica and Portuguese opposition, in general, are also a cause for concern. Their last meeting with the Lisbon-based side ended in defeat, and overall, they have won just one of their eight encounters against Portuguese teams—a victory over Sporting Lisbon dating back to 1997. This lackluster record does not bode well as they seek to overturn their fortunes in the upcoming fixture.

On the other hand, Benfica have consistently demonstrated their ability to navigate these high-stakes encounters. Their performances against Monaco in previous Champions League campaigns underline their superiority in head-to-head matchups. Back in 2014, Benfica took four points off Monaco during the group stage, and a decade later, they continued to assert their dominance with another victory in the league phase earlier this season.

For Benfica, this playoff presents an opportunity to redeem themselves after a disappointing group-stage exit in the Champions League last season. Their previous campaigns had seen them reach consecutive quarter-finals, and they are eager to return to that level. Interestingly, this marks the first instance in which Benfica has faced the same opponent in two different phases of a Champions League campaign. Fortunately for them, their record against French opposition is favorable, with only three defeats in 13 encounters. This positive track record provides them with additional confidence heading into the match.

Moreover, the mood in the Benfica camp has significantly improved in recent weeks. Just two weeks ago, manager Bruno Lage found himself under intense scrutiny, with frustrated supporters voicing their displeasure over the team's results. At the time, Benfica had suffered a dramatic 5-4 defeat against Barcelona, a match in which they squandered a 3-1 and 4-2 lead, followed by a 3-1 loss at Casa Pia. However, since that turbulent period, the team has rediscovered its form.

One of the most pivotal moments in their resurgence came in their decisive 2-0 away victory over Juventus. Heading into that fixture, Benfica faced elimination had they suffered a defeat. Instead, they delivered a composed and clinical performance, securing their place in the playoffs. Building on that success, the team has maintained momentum with consecutive 3-2 wins over Estrela and Moreirense in domestic competition. As a result, they have closed the gap in the Primeira Liga title race, now trailing just four points behind their arch-rivals Sporting CP.

Benfica's attacking prowess has been central to their recent success. Their ability to find the back of the net with consistency has made them a formidable force, and their dynamic approach will pose a serious threat to Monaco's shaky defense. Their recent results suggest they have rediscovered the self-belief that had briefly eluded them, and they will arrive in the principality with confidence.

While Monaco have the benefit of playing at home, they must address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to progress. Their inability to maintain defensive solidity has cost them crucial points, and against a Benfica side brimming with attacking quality, they will need to be far more organized at the back. Adi Hutter and his coaching staff will need to devise a strategy that curtails Benfica’s offensive threats while also ensuring that their own attacking players are able to exploit any weaknesses in the opposition’s defense.

One of Monaco’s main concerns will be containing Benfica’s key playmakers, who have the ability to dictate the tempo and unlock defenses with precision passing and movement. Monaco will need to be disciplined in midfield and avoid the lapses in concentration that have plagued them in recent matches. If they allow Benfica too much space, they risk being overrun by a team that thrives on exploiting defensive frailties.

Monaco’s attack, meanwhile, must rediscover its sharpness. In their recent outings, they have struggled to capitalize on their chances, a problem they cannot afford against a side of Benfica’s caliber. If they are to stand any chance of turning their fortunes around, they will need their attacking players to be clinical in front of goal.

Ultimately, this clash promises to be an intriguing contest between two sides with contrasting trajectories. Benfica’s resurgence and strong historical record against Monaco make them the favorites heading into the tie. However, Monaco cannot be completely written off. They have the talent and potential to turn things around, but they will need to produce their best performance of the season to do so.

The outcome of this fixture could have significant implications for both teams. For Benfica, a victory would reinforce their status as a force in European football and bring them one step closer to re-establishing themselves among the continent’s elite. For Monaco, a positive result would provide a much-needed morale boost and offer hope that they can still salvage their season.

With both teams having everything to play for, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle at the Stade Louis II. Benfica will be aiming to continue their fine form and extend their dominance over Monaco, while the hosts will be desperate to break their poor run and keep their Champions League dreams alive. As the two sides prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter, the stage is set for a thrilling night of European football.