Champions League Playoffs: Mónaco and Benfica Set for Thrilling Clash

MONACO, Monaco — The UEFA Champions League playoffs kick off on February 12, 2025, with AS Mónaco facing SL Benfica in a highly anticipated first-leg match. Both clubs enter the knockout stage after finishing the group phase with 13 points, making this matchup particularly intriguing.

This will be the third time Mónaco and Benfica have met in the Champions League, with the Rojiblancos holding the edge in previous encounters with two victories and one draw. The teams are coming off contrasting performances, with Benfica riding a wave of momentum after winning their last two matches, including a 3-2 victory over Moreirense.

Mónaco, however, is looking to rebound after a tough 4-1 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. The team is seeking to regain form as they aim for a strong showing in the Champions League. “We know the importance of this match. We need to show our best side,” said Mónaco coach Adolfo Hütter.

Kickoff is set for 17:00 (ARG, URU, CHI) and 15:00 (COL, PER, ECU) at the Stade Louis-II. The outcome of this first leg could set the tone for the series, which many expect to be highly competitive.

Both teams concluded the group stage with an identical record of four wins, one draw, and three losses. “It’s a balanced matchup,” remarked Benfica manager Roger Schmidt. “We’re prepared for a tough challenge.”

The last encounter between the two sides in the Champions League was in the 2014-15 season when Mónaco eliminated Benfica from the competition. This history adds an extra layer of excitement to the clash.

In terms of key players, Mónaco’s offensive linchpin will be under scrutiny following their recent struggles, while Benfica looks to Ángel Di María to create scoring opportunities. “We have been training hard. I’m confident in our approach,” Di María stated.

With both squads desperate for a victory, fans can expect a thrilling match filled with high stakes. Betting odds currently favor Mónaco, but with both teams having shown resilience, predicting a clear winner remains challenging.

As the Champions League playoffs begin, all eyes will be on Mónaco’s pursuit of redemption and Benfica’s quest for glory, promising a delightful evening of football.