UCL: Benfica Edge Monaco in Six-Goal Thriller to Advance in Champions League

Benfica have advanced to the Champions League last 16 after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Monaco, securing a 4-3 aggregate win.

Benfica secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Monaco at Estadio da Luz, advancing with a 4-3 aggregate win. This result extended Benfica's unbeaten European home record against French teams to 19 matches.

Monaco, determined to overcome their one-goal deficit, started strong in Portugal. They posed an early threat, including a disputed penalty appeal by Breel Embolo that was denied. However, Monaco's encouraging beginning was short-lived, as Wilfried Singo's loss of possession outside the box proved costly.

Benfica capitalized on Singo's mistake, with Vangelis Pavlídis cleverly exploiting the space to set up Kerem Aktürkoğlu's fourth European goal of the season. Aktürkoğlu's strike gave Benfica a two-goal lead in the tie, but Monaco demonstrated great resilience in response.

Monaco's character was on full display as they produced a positive reaction to Benfica's opener. Embolo powered a header against the woodwork just moments before Takumi Minamino scored to reduce the aggregate deficit. Minamino slotted his near-post shot past Anatoliy Trubin, who was disappointed with his failed attempt to make the save.

With momentum on their side, Monaco surged forward in the second period, leveling the tie within six minutes of the restart.

Benfica hold on for a place in the round of 16 🦅#UCL pic.twitter.com/8R8bE8WJs0

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2025

Maghnes Akliouche set up Eliesse Ben Seghir, who had previously tested Trubin, to score with a beautifully curled shot that beat the Benfica goalkeeper.

Monaco's brief lead was short-lived, as Benfica were awarded a penalty after captain Thilo Kehrer fouled Fredrik Aursnes inside the box. Referee Glenn Nyberg consulted the VAR before pointing to the spot. Benfica's top scorer, Vangelis Pavlídis, stepped up to take the penalty, firing a precise shot to the left of Radosław Majecki, who remained motionless.

However, Monaco's response was immediate and decisive. Substitute George Ilenikhena made a stunning impact just a minute after coming off the bench, using his strength to outmuscle Nicolás Otamendi before driving a low shot past Anatoliy Trubin. This thrilling contest continued to ebb and flow, with Benfica swiftly regaining the initiative.

In a heart-stopping sequence of events, Benfica surged forward to restore their aggregate lead. Álvaro Carreras delivered an exquisite cross, which Orkun Kokcu expertly converted, poking the ball home to send the home crowd into a frenzy. This dramatic twist proved decisive, as Benfica held on to secure a last-16 tie against either Barcelona or Liverpool.

Despite being denied a late penalty by VAR, Benfica remained focused and saw out the final tense minutes to seal their spot in the last 16. This hard-fought victory marked a thrilling conclusion to their Champions League playoff tie against Monaco.