19 February 2025
The second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 play-off between Benfica and Monaco was thrilling and exciting, as the Portuguese team managed to snatch the qualification card after the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Karim Aktorkoglu opened the scoring for Benfica in the 22nd minute, but Takumi Minamino equalized for Monaco in the 32nd minute.
In the second half, the excitement escalated with Moroccan international Ilyas Ben Seghir scoring Monaco's second goal in the 51st minute, putting pressure on Benfica. However, Vangelis Pavlidis managed to restore the equalizer for Benfica from a penalty kick in the 72nd minute.
As the match approached its end, George Elenikhina scored Monaco's third goal in the 80th minute, which increased the tension. But Orkun Kokcu had the final say, scoring the equaliser and qualifying for Benfica in the 83rd minute.
Benfica benefited from their 1-0 win over Monaco in the first leg to book their place in the round of 16. Benfica will play either Liverpool or Barcelona in the next round, depending on the draw that will be held next Friday.
