Benfica secured their place in the Champions League last 16 after a pulsating 3-3 draw with Monaco on Tuesday, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory thanks to a late goal from Orkun Kokcu.
Benfica Survive Monaco Fightback
Heading into the second leg with a 1-0 advantage, Benfica struck first in Lisbon, taking the lead in the 22nd minute. Kerem Akturkoglu finished from close range after a brilliant assist from Vangelis Pavlidis.
However, Monaco hit back quickly, with Takumi Minamino tapping in 10 minutes later to bring the tie level. The visitors then completed the turnaround in style when Eliesse Ben Seghir unleashed a spectacular long-range strike to put them ahead.
Benfica, however, showed their resilience. Pavlidis confidently converted a penalty to make it 2-2, but Monaco responded immediately through substitute George Ilenikhena, who restored their lead.
Just as it seemed Monaco would force extra time, Kokcu stepped up in the 84th minute, latching onto a superb cross from Alvaro Carreras to fire home the all-important equaliser. That goal ensured Benfica progressed to the knockout rounds, maintaining their impressive run in the competition.
Key Stats & Records
- Benfica’s Champions League matches are full of goals—their 10 games this season have produced 36 goals (21 scored, 15 conceded), averaging 3.6 per match.
- This tally is just short of their highest-ever Champions League goal average, set in 2022-23 (3.9 goals per match, 39 in total).
- The game saw 25 total shots (10 from Benfica, 15 from Monaco), with Benfica creating more expected goals (1.9) than Monaco (1.26).
- Pavlidis has now been directly involved in nine Champions League goals this season (seven goals, two assists), surpassing Joao Mario’s record (eight goal involvements in 2022-23) as Benfica’s most productive player in a single UCL campaign.
Benfica March On
Despite a valiant effort from Monaco, Benfica’s attacking firepower and never-say-die attitude proved enough to keep their European dreams alive. With momentum on their side, they now look ahead to the Champions League last 16, where they’ll aim to continue their impressive form.
