English
Benfica and Monaco deliver thrilling Champions League encounter
Lisbon, February 18, 2025 – The Estádio da Luz hosted a pulsating match between Benfica and Monaco in the UEFA Champions League knockout round play-offs. The game, officiated by Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg, concluded with a thrilling 3-4 victory for the Monegasque side.
Benfica took the lead in the 22nd minute through a goal by K. Akturkoglu, assisted by V. Pavlidis. However, Monaco responded swiftly. T. Minamino equalized in the 32nd minute, assisted by B. Embolo. Before halftime, Monaco took the lead with a goal from E. Ben Seghir in the 51st minute, assisted by M. Akliouche.
In the second half, Benfica reduced the deficit with a penalty converted by V. Pavlidis in the 76th minute. Subsequently, Monaco extended their advantage through a goal by G. Ilenikhena in the 81st minute. Benfica fought back and scored through O. Kokcu in the 84th minute, but time ran out for a comeback.
Monaco dominated possession (60%), registering 14 shots (6 on target), while Benfica had 40% possession and 10 shots (7 on target). Both teams displayed aggression, with Benfica committing 14 fouls and receiving two yellow cards, while Monaco committed 9 fouls and received one. The match was characterized by high intensity and excitement until the final whistle.
Substitutions benfica: at minute 58 S. Dahl came in and A. Schjelderup went out., at minute 58 Z. Amdouni came in and K. Akturkoglu went out., at minute 87 A. Belotti came in and V. Pavlidis went out., at minute 87 J. Rego came in and O. Kokcu went out.
Substitutions monaco: at minute 65 M. Biereth came in and B. Embolo went out., at minute 80 K. Ouattara came in and Caio Henrique went out., at minute 80 G. Ilenikhena came in and C. Mawissa Elebi went out., at minute 87 L. Michal came in and T. Minamino went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Benfica
Titulares:
Monaco
Titulares:
class=”wg_loader”>
