Benfica Advance to the Round of 16 After a Thrilling 3-3 Draw Against Monaco

In a dramatic UEFA Champions League night at Estádio da Luz, Benfica edged out Monaco to secure their place in the Round of 16, advancing with a 4-3 aggregate victory after an intense 3-3 draw in the second leg. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows in a pulsating contest filled with stunning goals and late drama.

 
Match Overview
First Half: A Fierce Battle Begins
Coming into the match with a 1-0 first-leg advantage, Benfica looked to build on their lead, and they did so in the 22nd minute. Kerem Aktürkoğlu opened the scoring, slotting home after a brilliant assist from Vangelis Pavlidis, putting the hosts 2-0 up on aggregate.

But Monaco was not going to back down. The Ligue 1 side equalized in the 32nd minute when Takumi Minamino fired past Benfica’s keeper following an intelligent setup from Breel Embolo. The goal reignited Monaco’s belief, and they began pushing forward with intent.

 
Second Half: Chaos Unfolds
Monaco took full control early in the second half. In the 51st minute, Eliesse Ben Seghir stunned the home crowd with a sensational goal, giving Monaco a 2-1 lead on the night and tying the aggregate score at 2-2.

However, Benfica responded in the 76th minute when Fredrik Aursnes won a penalty, which Vangelis Pavlidis confidently converted to make it 2-2.

Monaco, desperate to avoid elimination, found the net again in the 81st minute through substitute George Ilenikhena, putting the French side back in the lead at 3-2 on the night.

But just as Monaco thought they had forced extra time, Benfica struck a hammer blow in the 84th minute. Orkun Kökçü, left unmarked, connected with a pinpoint cross from Álvaro Fernández, securing a 3-3 draw and clinching Benfica’s progression with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.

 
Key Performances
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) – Provided a goal and an assist, proving to be a vital attacking force for Benfica.
Eliesse Ben Seghir (Monaco) – Scored a brilliant goal and was instrumental in Monaco’s attacking movements.
Orkun Kökçü (Benfica) – Delivered the decisive equalizer, ensuring Benfica’s place in the Round of 16.
 
What’s Next?
Benfica’s European Dream Continues
With this victory, Benfica moves on to the Champions League Round of 16, where they could face giants like Barcelona or Liverpool in the next stage. Their resilience and attacking firepower suggest they could be dark horses in the competition.

Monaco’s European Campaign Ends
For Monaco, the result is heartbreaking, but their fighting spirit was evident. Their focus now shifts to domestic competitions, where they will aim to challenge for Ligue 1 glory and return to Europe next season.

Final Score: Benfica 3-3 Monaco (Benfica win 4-3 on aggregate)