Benfica has made it to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League after an intense second-leg match against Monaco ended with both teams sharing the spoils at 3-3 at Estádio da Luz. The aggregate score of 4-3 was enough for Benfica to advance, securing their place among the elite clubs of Europe once more.
The first leg of the knockout stages, held on February 12, 2025, saw Benfica come back victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis's goal. That result set the stage for the scintillated showdown we witnessed on February 18.
From the outset, Benfica made their intentions clear. Just 22 minutes in, the home crowd erupted when Kerem Akturkoglu found the back of the net, giving the Portuguese side the early advantage. Their fortunes seemed bright as they were eager to solidify their lead following their first leg success.
Monaco, undeterred by the early setback, responded sharply. Takumi Minamino leveled the match at 1-1 with his goal just ten minutes later, maintaining the visitors' hopes of overturning the aggregate score. The tension deepened as the match progressed, with both teams exchanging blows, forcing the defenses to dig deep.
After the break, it was Monaco who struck again, this time courtesy of Eliss Ben-Segir, pushing the visitors ahead 2-1 on the night and 2-4 on aggregate, ratcheting up the pressure on Benfica.
But Benfica wasn't going to give up easily. A penalty awarded to them gave Vangelis Pavlidis another chance to shine, and he scored successfully from the spot, making it 2-2 and reigniting the hopes of the home crowd.
The action continued to thrill as Monaco’s Georgie Ilenikena put Monaco back at the advantage once more with their third goal. Yet, as if the match was scripted for drama, Orkun Kökçü popped up late to score another equalizer for Benfica, bringing the score to 3-3 and ensuring Benfica's passage to the next round.
This match showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of Benfica, who, even with injuries sidelining key players like Ángel Di María and Alexander Golovin for Monaco, managed to showcase their depth and talent.
The stage is now set for Benfica to face either Barcelona or Liverpool in the upcoming round of 16, with the draw scheduled for February 21, 2025. The excitement surrounding Benfica’s advancement is palpable, and fans are eager to see how far their team can go this season.
While the result may be bittersweet for Monaco, this thrilling encounter will not be forgotten soon enough. With attacking prowess displayed by both teams, it served as yet another reminder of the intense and unpredictable nature of the Champions League.
Next up, Benfica must focus on maintaining their momentum. They are performing well domestically and will be eager to convert this success on the European stage as well. Their strong offensive record and the capability to perform under pressure will be tested as they aim for glory.