The UEFA Champions League never fails to deliver heart-stopping action, and last night was no exception as Benfica staged a dramatic comeback to defeat 10-man AS Monaco 3-2 at Stade Louis II. This victory marked Benfica’s first points in the competition since matchday two, while Monaco tasted their first campaign defeat. Let’s delve into this breathtaking encounter that kept fans in their seats.
First Half: Monaco Takes Early Control
Monaco started the game on the front foot, determined to replicate their five-star performance from their last home UCL match. The breakthrough came just 13 minutes in, as Eliesse Ben Seghir redeemed himself for an earlier missed opportunity. After a sharp save by Anatoliy Trubin from Vanderson’s drive, Aleksandr Golovin pounced on the rebound and set up Ben Seghir for a simple tap-in.
Benfica, however, gradually grew into the game, and Monaco’s defense faced late pressure in the first half. A mistake by Ben Seghir nearly turned him from hero to villain when his backpass gifted the ball to Ángel Di María, but Radosław Majecki came to the rescue with a stunning save. The visitors continued to press, with Nicolás Otamendi and Kerem Aktürkoğlu coming agonizingly close to finding the equalizer. Monaco held their lead going into halftime, but the warning signs were there.
Second Half: Drama Unfolds
Monaco almost doubled their lead early in the second half when Breel Embolo’s shot ricocheted off the post. However, their joy was short-lived as a disastrous backpass from Caio Henrique allowed Vangelis Pavlidis to intercept and slot into an empty net, leveling the score for Benfica. Monaco thought they had retaken the lead moments later, but Maghnes Akliouche’s goal was ruled out for offside, keeping the game finely poised.
The match took another dramatic turn when Wilfried Singo’s reckless challenge on Pavlidis earned him a second yellow card, reducing Monaco to 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Monaco displayed resilience and regained the lead through Soungoutou Magassa, who calmly finished Mohammed Salisu’s cut-back to make it 2-1.
Late Comeback: Benfica Turns the Tide
As Monaco pushed for a third goal, they left themselves vulnerable at the back. Benfica capitalized six minutes from when Ángel Di María’s pinpoint cross found Arthur Cabral, who headed home the equalizer. With momentum now firmly in their favor, Benfica struck again just four minutes later. Another sublime Di María delivery, this time from the right wing, was met by Zeki Amdouni, who rose highest to seal a stunning 3-2 victory.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember for Benfica
This remarkable comeback ended Benfica’s winless streak in the competition and showcased their resilience and attacking prowess. For Monaco, it was a night of frustration as costly mistakes and a red card overshadowed their promising start. Benfica’s win also marked their first-ever triumph away to a Ligue 1 side in seven attempts, while Monaco extended their winless home run against Portuguese opposition to four matches.
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Key Takeaways for Kenyan Fans
Kenyan football fans can draw inspiration from Benfica’s determination and spirit. This match reminds us that the game is never over until the final whistle. Whether you’re supporting your local team or watching international football, moments like these make the sport truly special.
Stay tuned for more Champions League drama and keep your bets ready with BangSports, Kenya’s leading betting platform. The beautiful game just got even more exciting!