Monaco started the match in fine form, taking a deserved lead through Ben Seghir, who struck just before the half-hour mark. Despite a golden opportunity for Benfica’s Angel Di Maria to level the score, the Ligue 1 side held a slender 1-0 advantage at the break.
The second half was a thrilling affair, with both teams squandering chances and exhibiting attacking intent. Monaco could have doubled their lead early in the half when Breel Embolo, with the goal at his mercy, hit the post. The turning point arrived when Benfica capitalised on an error by Monaco's Henrique, with Pavlidis pouncing on the loose ball to equalise.
Minutes later, both sides had goals disallowed for offside as the game swung back and forth. Monaco’s misfortune continued when they were reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card for Singo. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Monaco regained the lead when substitute Magassa fired home from close range in the 67th minute.
Benfica, however, refused to be denied, and two moments of individual brilliance from Di Maria ultimately decided the contest. First, the Argentine winger delivered a pinpoint cross for Luis Cabral to head home the equaliser, before producing another flawless delivery for Ayoub Amdouni to head past Monaco goalkeeper Nübel, giving Benfica the lead for the first time.
Monaco, despite creating a few chances late on, could not find a way back into the match. Benfica's clinical finishing and resilient performance saw them take all three points, keeping alive their hopes in the competition.
With the victory, Benfica improved their position in the group, moving to 14th place with an xG of 3.04 compared to Monaco's 1.69. The result marked Monaco's first defeat of the season in the Champions League and leaves them in eighth place, with much work to do in the remainder of the group stages.
Looking ahead, Monaco will need to recover quickly as they face Marseille away in Ligue 1 this weekend, while Benfica travel to Arouca in the Primeira Liga.
0 Comments