Benfica Advances to Champions League Round of 16 After Thrilling 3-3 Draw

LISBON, Portugal — Benfica secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic 3-3 draw against AS Monaco on February 18, 2025. The Portuguese side, who held a slim advantage following their 1-0 victory in the first leg, managed to hold off a fierce comeback from the Monegasques at Estádio da Luz.

Benfica took an early lead with a goal from Korkcu in the 84th minute, which seemed to seal their advancement. However, the second half saw Monaco mount a significant comeback, equalizing twice in the match. Minamino‘s goal in the 32nd minute and Ilhenikhena’s strike in the 91st minute raised the stakes, but the Benfica defense held strong amid mounting pressure.

The clash, filled with tension, was punctuated by crucial decisions from the referee and VAR interventions. Benfica was awarded a penalty after a foul by Diatta, which was converted by Pavlidis in the 76th minute, putting the hosts ahead at a crucial moment.

Despite the disappointment of not winning, Benfica manager Bruno Lage expressed pride in his team’s resilience. “It was a tough match, but we showed our character to advance to the next round,” he said. “This experience will only make us stronger as we continue in the competition.”

Monaco, who had high hopes after their impressive performance in Ligue 1, demonstrated their capabilities but ultimately fell short. Adi Hütter, their coach, noted the quality of the match and vowed to learn from the experience. “We fought hard and created chances, but minor errors cost us the game,” Hütter remarked after the match.

In addition to the spectacular action on the pitch, the match saw significant statistics recorded for both teams. Benfica recorded a total of 10 shots on goal compared to Monaco’s 12, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the game. Possession was relatively even, with Benfica holding 39.9% and Monaco at 60.1%.

As the dust settles on this electrifying encounter, Benfica anticipates a challenging next round against either Liverpool or Barcelona. The excitement of Champions League football continues, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this storied tournament.