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Benfica Edges 10-Man Monaco to Gain Advantage in Champions League Playoff

Posted : 13 February 2025

Benfica took a crucial step toward securing a spot in the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 victory over a 10-man AS Monaco in the first leg of their playoff clash. The decisive goal came early in the second half, courtesy of Vangelis Pavlidis, who found the net just moments before Moatasem Al-Musrati was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

 

 The Portuguese side had already proven their dominance over Monaco earlier in the season, having secured a 3-2 win at Louis II Stadium during the league phase, and they maintained their unbeaten record against the French club in European competitions.

 

The return leg is set for next Tuesday, where the winner will face a daunting challenge against either Barcelona or Liverpool. Monaco forward Breel Embolo expressed his frustration over the match, believing his side was unfairly punished by the referee’s decisions.

 

 He argued that Benfica’s fullback could have been booked for an earlier incident but instead, Monaco was left with 10 men. Despite the setback, Embolo remained optimistic, acknowledging that the second leg still offers a chance for redemption.

 

Monaco started the game with energy, as Alvaro Carreras and Maghnes Akliouche tested Benfica’s defense in the opening minutes. However, the hosts struggled to break down a disciplined Benfica side, who held firm until halftime.

 

The second half turned against Monaco quickly, with Pavlidis beating goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki with a clever chip in the 48th minute. Al-Musrati’s dismissal four minutes later further weakened Monaco’s chances. While Majecki made an impressive save to deny Pavlidis just after the hour mark, the French side failed to mount any real threat in search of an equalizer.

 

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