Benfica Clinch Victory Over 10-Man Monaco to Seize Champions League Advantage
In a UEFA Champions League playoff encounter on February 12, 2025, Benfica secured a 1-0 victory over AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. This win places the Portuguese side in a favorable position as they approach the second leg, bringing them closer to the tournament’s Round of 16.
The match’s decisive moment occurred in the 48th minute when Benfica’s forward, Vangelis Pavlidis, showcased exceptional skill by executing a delicate chip over Monaco’s goalkeeper, Radosław Majecki. This goal not only highlighted Pavlidis’s composure under pressure but also marked his sixth in the current Champions League campaign, underscoring his critical role in Benfica’s offensive lineup.
Shortly after conceding, Monaco’s situation worsened. Midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati received a second yellow card in the 52nd minute for dissent, leading to his expulsion from the match. This left the home team with ten players for the remainder of the game, significantly hindering their ability to mount a comeback.
Throughout the first half, Monaco maintained a majority of possession but struggled to penetrate Benfica’s organized defense. Despite their control of the ball, clear scoring opportunities were scarce, and the teams entered halftime without any goals.
The dynamics shifted in the second half following Pavlidis’s goal and Al-Musrati’s dismissal. Benfica capitalized on their numerical advantage, dictating the tempo and creating additional chances. Majecki made a notable save to deny Pavlidis a second goal, keeping Monaco’s hopes alive. However, the French side’s offensive efforts remained muted, and they failed to register a significant threat to Benfica’s lead.
Reflecting on the match, Monaco forward Breel Embolo expressed his disappointment, stating, “We are really disappointed, we had a good first half. We conceded that goal. I’ll be honest, we got killed off a bit, from a potential yellow card (against them) to an exclusion against us.” He emphasized the team’s frustration with the officiating and acknowledged the uphill battle they face in the return leg.
This victory extends Benfica’s unbeaten record against Monaco in European competitions. The two teams previously met in the league phase in November, where Benfica emerged victorious with a 3-2 win at the same venue.
The return leg is scheduled for next Tuesday at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The aggregate winner of this playoff will advance to face either FC Barcelona or Liverpool FC in the Round of 16, setting the stage for a high-profile matchup in the next phase of the competition.
As both teams prepare for the decisive second leg, Benfica will aim to leverage their advantage and home support, while Monaco faces the challenging task of overturning the deficit on foreign soil. The upcoming match promises to be a compelling contest as these European clubs vie for progression in the prestigious tournament.