AS Monaco 2-3 Benfica: Benfica complete super comeback to defeat 10-man Monaco
Benfica achieved a remarkable comeback by scoring two late goals to defeat 10-man AS Monaco 3-2 at Stade Louis II, securing their first points in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) since matchday two and handing the hosts their first loss in the competition this season.
Monaco, having scored five goals in their previous UCL home match, opened the scoring just 13 minutes into the game. Eliesse Ben Seghir had previously missed a close-range opportunity, but when Vanderson's low shot was parried by Anatoliy Trubin, Aleksandr Golovin seized the rebound and set up Ben Seghir, who finished from close range.
The home side maintained their lead until Benfica began to create several chances late in the first half. A critical moment occurred when a poor backpass from Ben Seghir nearly allowed Di Maria to score, but Radossaw Majecki made an excellent save. Following the corner, Nicolas Otamendi's header narrowly missed the target, and Majecki managed to recover in time to deny Kerem Akturkoğlu shortly thereafter.
The half-time whistle came as a relief for Adi Hutter’s team, who nearly doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half, only for Breel Embolo’s shot to hit the post. However, their advantage was erased when a misjudged backpass from Caio Henrique allowed Vangelis Pavlidis to capitalize and score into an unguarded net.
Just two minutes later, Monaco believed they had regained the lead with a goal of their own, but Maghnes Akliouche was ruled offside after receiving a through ball from Embolo before rounding Trubin. The match continued to be frantic, with Majecki denying Pavlidis again, and Alexander Bah's volley was disallowed for offside against Di Maria.
Before the hour mark, Monaco faced the prospect of being reduced to ten players when Wilfried Singo collided with Pavlidis, resulting in a second yellow card issued by referee Rade Obrenovic.
Despite being a man down, the 2004 finalists found renewed energy and regained the lead in the 68th minute. Mohammed Salisu made a run to the byline and delivered a precise cutback to Soungoutou Magassa, who finished with a shot into the bottom corner.
The home team sought a third goal, but their strategy backfired six minutes from the end when they were caught on the counterattack. A left-wing cross from Di Maria was met by Arthur Cabral, who skillfully directed it into the net, leveling the score at 2-2.
Just four minutes later, Di Maria executed a similar play from the opposite flank, allowing Zeki Amdouni to rise above the defense and turn the match in favor of his team.
This victory marks Benfica's first away win against a Ligue 1 team in seven attempts, while Monaco remains without a home win against Portuguese teams in their last four encounters.
SportsLigue