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By Score More Sports Staff
Monte Carlo — On a night brimming with drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments, Benfica claimed a historic 3-2 victory over AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. It wasn’t just a win; it was a triumph that will be etched in the annals of the club’s storied European history. This victory not only revived Benfica’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages but also embodied the resilience and spirit that define the club.
The game was nothing short of spectacular. From the opening whistle, Monaco pressed aggressively, their urgency evident despite a strong group-stage performance so far. Their high-intensity approach paid off in the 13th minute when a swift counter-attack caught Benfica’s defense off guard, with Breel Embolo finishing clinically to put the hosts ahead.
For much of the first half, Benfica struggled to find their rhythm, hampered by misplaced passes and failed dribbles. However, as Monaco’s initial energy waned, Benfica grew into the game. By the 30th minute, the Portuguese side began to assert control. Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi came close, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s effort narrowly missed the target. Despite mounting pressure, the equalizer eluded Benfica before halftime.
The second half opened with a whirlwind of action. Embolo struck the post just moments in, but it was Benfica who found the net in the 47th minute. Vangelis Pavlidis capitalized on a defensive mishap, slotting the ball home to level the score. However, the parity was short-lived, as Maghnes Akliouche’s disallowed goal and subsequent Monaco pressure kept the game on edge.
In a dramatic turn, Monaco’s Wilfried Singo was sent off in the 53rd minute, but the French side refused to back down. They regained the lead in the 67th minute through Maghnes Akliouche, who finished with precision after a well-worked move. Despite being a man down, Monaco continued to threaten, testing Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin on several occasions.
Yet, Benfica’s fighting spirit shone through. Di María, instrumental throughout the match, delivered a perfect cross in the 74th minute, which he headed powerfully into the net to restore parity. Energized, Benfica pushed relentlessly for the winner. Their efforts bore fruit in the 89th minute when substitute Zeki Amdouni connected with another brilliant Di María assist to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory.
A Victory for the Ages
Benfica’s head coach Bruno Lage hailed his team’s resilience post-match:
“This was more than just a win; it was a statement. To come back twice and secure the victory in such a challenging environment speaks volumes about the character of this team.”
The win propels Benfica back into contention for a place in the Champions League knockout stages, igniting hope and excitement among the fans. It was a night of high drama and unforgettable moments, a true testament to the magic of European football.
For Benfica, it was not just about the points—it was about reclaiming their place among Europe’s elite.