Orkun Kokcu’s late equalizer secured Benfica’s passage to the Champions League last 16 following an electrifying 3-3 draw with Monaco, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, the Portuguese side strengthened their position in Lisbon when Kerem Akturkoglu capitalized on Vangelis Pavlidis’ precise pass to find the net from close range.
Monaco, however, wasted no time responding, as Takumi Minamino swiftly equalized with a simple finish.
The visitors then took the lead through a stunning effort from Eliesse Ben Seghir. Benfica fought back, with Pavlidis calmly converting a penalty to level the score once again.
Substitute George Ilenikhena momentarily restored Monaco’s advantage, but Kokcu’s 84th-minute strike, assisted by Alvaro Carreras, ensured the home side’s progression.
Benfica’s Champions League journey this season has been marked by high-scoring encounters. Across their 10 matches, a total of 36 goals have been recorded, 21 in their favour and 15 conceded, averaging 3.6 goals per game.
This attacking intensity is second only to their 2022-23 campaign, where they boasted an average of 3.9 goals per match, with 39 goals across 10 fixtures.
The latest clash with Monaco saw a total of 25 shots, with Benfica registering 10 attempts compared to Monaco’s 15. The hosts produced an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.9, edging out Monaco’s 1.26, reflecting the open, attacking nature of the contest.
A standout performer for Benfica in this European run has been Vangelis Pavlidis, who has directly contributed to nine goals in just ten matches, scoring seven and assisting twice.
His efforts have surpassed Joao Mario’s record of eight goal involvements in the previous campaign, underlining his significance in the squad.
Benfica’s dramatic showdown with Monaco not only demonstrated their resilience but also reinforced their attacking credentials, making them a formidable force in this season’s Champions League.
