Benfica 3-3 AS Monaco (4-3 agg): Benfica edge past Monaco in six-goal thriller to reach Champions League last 16
Benfica secured their place in the Champions League last 16 after a pulsating 3-3 draw against AS Monaco on Tuesday, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory. The Portuguese giants, who carried a one-goal advantage from the first leg, were pushed to the limit by a resilient Monaco side but ultimately held firm to advance. They now await either Liverpool or Barcelona in the next round, with the draw set for Friday.
The hosts struck first in the 22nd minute when Vangelis Pavlidis set up Kerem Akturkoglu for a close-range finish. However, Monaco quickly responded, with Takumi Minamino leveling the score just 10 minutes later. The visitors continued to press and took the lead early in the second half through a stunning first-time strike from Eliesse Ben Seghir.
Benfica hit back when Pavlidis converted from the penalty spot after Thilo Kehrer fouled Fredrik Aursnes. The drama intensified late on as Monaco substitute George Ilenikhena restored their lead in the 81st minute, only for Orkun Kokcu to equalize moments later from an Alvaro Carreras cross.
"It was a hard game with lots of running, but in the end, I am really happy that I could score and help us go through to the next stage," said Kokcu, who was named player of the match.
Monaco, seeking a first Champions League last-16 appearance since 2017, fought bravely and had early opportunities to turn the tie in their favor. Krepin Diatta was denied by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, while Breel Embolo struck the post before Minamino’s equalizer. Embolo also missed a golden chance just before halftime as Monaco dominated possession and attacking play.
Ben Seghir’s goal in the 51st minute briefly put the Ligue 1 side in control, but Benfica’s resilience paid off. Pavlidis, who joined from AZ Alkmaar in July, took his tally to seven goals in the competition this season with his composed penalty.
Monaco’s late push through Ilenikhena’s well-taken effort gave them renewed hope, but Kokcu’s immediate response ensured Benfica maintained their unbeaten home record against French opposition. Having reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and 2023, Benfica will look to make another deep run in Europe’s elite competition.
SportsLigue