Nigeria: Benfica edges Monaco to reach Champions League Last 16
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Benfica secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Monaco on Wednesday to reach the Champions League last 19 with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the play-off round. Monaco led twice on the night and came close to forcing extra time, but Orkun Kökçü’s 84th-minute equalizer helped Benfica scrape through in Lisbon.
The match was marked by several twists and turns, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Kerem Aktürkoğlu put Benfica ahead, but Takumi Minamino leveled for Monaco after 32 minutes. Eliesse Ben Seghir fired the visitors in front, but Vangelis Pavlidis converted from the penalty spot to keep the score tied on the night.
George Ilenikhena netted in the 81st minute for Monaco, but Kökçü prodded home soon after to send Benfica through. The Portuguese side will now face either Barcelona or Liverpool in the next round.
Benfica midfielder Kökçü praised his team’s spirit, saying, “What made the difference today was 100% the team’s spirit – we showed a lot of fight.”
The match was marked by several injuries and suspensions, with both teams missing key players. Despite this,
the match was an intense and thrilling encounter, with both teams creating scoring opportunities throughout.
