Benfica pulled off a sensational late comeback to defeat 10-man AS Monaco 3-2 in a UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash at Stade Louis II. The Portuguese side’s two late goals secured their first UCL victory since matchday two, while Monaco suffered their first defeat of the competition this season.
Early Dominance by Monaco
Monaco started the game on the front foot, quickly asserting themselves in front of their home fans. After netting five goals in their previous UCL home game, the hosts wasted no time getting on the scoreboard.
Eliesse Ben Seghir, who had missed an earlier chance from close range, capitalized in the 13th minute. Vanderson’s low drive was parried by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, and Aleksandr Golovin was quick to react, squaring the ball for Ben Seghir to finish from close range.
Monaco appeared in control of the match, maintaining their 1-0 lead with a combination of compact defending and quick counterattacks. The home side almost doubled their advantage early in the second half when Breel Embolo’s powerful shot struck the upright, keeping Benfica in the game.
Benfica’s Response and the Equalizer
Despite Monaco’s early dominance, Benfica grew into the game toward the end of the first half. Angel Di Maria was at the heart of their attacking efforts, coming close to equalizing after intercepting a poor backpass from Ben Seghir. However, Monaco goalkeeper Radosław Majecki made a stunning save to deny the veteran forward.
The equalizer eventually came in the 51st minute due to another defensive error by Monaco. Caio Henrique’s poor back header was pounced on by Vangelis Pavlidis, who beat Majecki to the ball and slotted it into an empty net.
The equalizer spurred both teams into action, with frantic end-to-end exchanges. Monaco thought they had restored their lead moments later when Maghnes Akliouche rounded Trubin and scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Similarly, Benfica’s Alexander Bah saw his volley disallowed for offside, keeping the scores level.
Monaco Down to 10 Men
The turning point of the match came just before the hour mark when Wilfried Singo received his second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Pavlidis. Reduced to 10 men, Monaco faced an uphill battle, but their resilience paid off in the 68th minute.
Mohammed Salisu’s driving run down the left flank resulted in a perfect cutback to Soungoutou Magassa, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, restoring Monaco’s lead. The goal reignited hope for the home side, who looked to hold on for a crucial victory.
Di María’s Late Magic Sparks Benfica’s Comeback
With just six minutes left on the clock, Benfica capitalized on Monaco’s aggressive push for a third goal. Angel Di María, who had been a creative force all evening, delivered a pinpoint cross from the left wing to Arthur Cabral, whose header found the back of the net to level the scores at 2-2.
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The Argentine playmaker wasn’t done yet. Just four minutes later, Di María whipped in another brilliant cross, this time from the right, and Zeki Amdouni rose highest to head the ball past Majecki, completing a remarkable turnaround for Benfica.
Historic Victory for Benfica
The win marked Benfica’s first away victory against a Ligue 1 side in seven attempts, breaking a longstanding drought. For Monaco, the defeat extended their winless streak at home against Portuguese teams to four matches, underlining their struggles against opponents from the Primeira Liga.
Key Performances
- Angel Di María (Benfica): The experienced winger was the standout performer, delivering two match-winning assists in the dying moments. His creativity and composure were instrumental in Benfica’s comeback.
- Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica): The Greek striker’s opportunistic equalizer kept Benfica in the game and shifted the momentum in their favor.
- Radosław Majecki (Monaco): Despite conceding three goals, Majecki made several crucial saves to keep Monaco in contention during the first half.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The victory gives Benfica a vital lifeline in their UCL campaign as they keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive. They will look to build on this momentum in their final group-stage match, where every point will be crucial.
For Monaco, the loss is a significant blow, and Adi Hutter’s men must regroup quickly to ensure they secure their progression in the competition. The defensive lapses and missed opportunities will be areas of focus as they prepare for their next challenge.
This dramatic match serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the Champions League, where no lead is safe, and the smallest moments can define the outcome.
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