UCL: Benfica Edge Monaco in Champions League Play-Off First Leg

Benfica secured a crucial 1-0 win over Monaco in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie, thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis' second-half strike.

Benfica secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Monaco in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie, thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis' decisive second-half strike. The win gives Benfica a narrow advantage heading into the home leg, where they will look to capitalize on Monaco's disadvantage of being a man down.

The match began at a blistering pace, reminiscent of the thrilling 3-2 encounter between the two teams in the league phase. Just three minutes in, Álvaro Carreras unleashed a powerful strike that narrowly missed the target. Despite Benfica's dominance, their inability to capitalize on promising attacking opportunities allowed Monaco to stay in the game.

Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche eventually broke the deadlock in terms of shots on target, firing a potent drive from a tight angle that forced Anatoliy Trubin into a sharp save. The save highlighted Trubin's impressive reflexes and helped Benfica maintain their momentum in the match.

Maghnes Akliouche and Alexander Golovin drove Monaco's resurgence, dominating possession but struggling to penetrate Benfica's defense. Just as it seemed the first half would end goalless, Benfica stirred to life. Although Álvaro Carreras and Kerem Aktürkoğlu failed to capitalize, they carried their momentum into the second half.

Benfica's persistence paid off just three minutes into the second half. Tomás Araújo's through-ball found Vangelis Pavlidis, who outmuscled Mohammed Salisu and chipped the ball perfectly over Radosław Majecki. Monaco's woes deepened when Al-Musrati received a second yellow card for dissent, leaving the hosts vulnerable.

Benfica win in Monaco 🦅#UCL pic.twitter.com/IxDCC7IT4J

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 12, 2025

With Monaco down to ten men, Benfica took control. Pavlidis nearly scored again, but Radosław Majecki denied him. Adi Hütter's Monaco prioritized damage control, focusing on limiting the deficit. Bruno Lage's Benfica, however, were unable to extend their lead despite their dominance.

Monaco's subpar performance, even before the red card, has left them with a daunting task in the second leg. Benfica, confident of advancing, will be cautious of a potential last-16 matchup against Barcelona, who handed them a thrilling 5-4 defeat in the league phase.