Benfica endured a nervy second leg against Monaco, but ultimately emerged with a 3-3 draw that secured their place in the Champions League last 16. Despite a spirited comeback from Monaco, who twice led in the match, Benfica held on to progress 4-3 on aggregate.
Monaco, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, started the match on the front foot, creating several early chances. They were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty, and goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was called upon to make a superb save to deny Krepin Diatta.
Against the run of play, Benfica took the lead in the 22nd minute when a mistake from Monaco defender Wilfried Singo allowed Vangelis Pavlidis to set up Kerem Akturkoglu for a simple tap-in.
Monco responded well to the setback, equalizing through Takumi Minamino’s close-range finish. They then took the lead early in the second half with a superb strike from Eliesse Ben Seghir.
Dramatic Finale
Benfica leveled the score through a Pavlidis penalty, but Monaco again responded, with substitute George Ilenikhena restoring their lead. However, Orkun Kokcu’s late equalizer ensured a dramatic finish and secured Benfica’s place in the last 16.
Benfica will now face either Barcelona or Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League, a daunting prospect for the Portuguese side. However, their performance against Monaco, particularly their resilience in the face of adversity, suggests that they are capable of causing an upset.
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