Benfica secured their place in the Champions League last 16 despite a challenging encounter against Monaco, which ended in a dramatic draw at the Estadio da Luz. The Portuguese side entered the match with a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg, courtesy of Vangelis Pavlidis’ stunning goal in Monaco. However, it was the visitors who controlled much of the game and pushed Benfica to their limits.
Early in the contest, Monaco saw their penalty appeals waved away before Krepin Diatta tested Anatoliy Trubin with a well-struck effort, forcing the Benfica goalkeeper into a fine save. Despite their sluggish opening, the hosts found themselves in front after a costly mistake from Wilfried Singo. Under pressure, the Monaco defender lost his footing, allowing Pavlidis to set up Kerem Aktürkoglu for a sliding finish.
Monaco responds with determination
The Ligue 1 side quickly responded and nearly found an equalizer when Breel Embolo’s header struck the post and rolled agonizingly across the goal line. Their persistence paid off moments later when Takumi Minamino capitalized on a defensive lapse, squeezing his shot past Trubin at the near post.
Monaco had a golden opportunity to level the tie just before halftime, but Embolo squandered his chance after being played through by Maghnes Akliouche. The second half saw Eliesse Ben Seghir once again testing Trubin with a fierce strike, but the Ukrainian goalkeeper could do nothing when the Moroccan curled a superb shot into the bottom corner, giving Monaco the lead.
Benfica hold on to progress
Just as Monaco appeared to seize control, they handed Benfica another lifeline. Thilo Kehrer clipped the leg of Fredrik Aursnes inside the box, resulting in a penalty. Pavlidis stepped up and confidently dispatched his spot kick, marking his seventh goal of the season and restoring Benfica’s aggregate lead.
The visitors continued to push and reignited hope with nine minutes remaining as substitute George Ilenikhena slotted home to make it 3-2. However, their celebrations were short-lived as Orkun Kökçü redirected Álvaro Fernández’s precise cross into the net just three minutes later, ensuring Benfica’s progression with a 4-3 aggregate triumph.
Benfica now awaits a clash against either Barcelona or Liverpool in the next round, having survived a relentless test from Monaco.
