Benfica seized the upper hand in their Champions League knockout phase play-off tie against Monaco, securing a 1-0 win in the first leg at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday. Vangelis Pavlidis scored the only goal of the match, netting his sixth goal in this season’s competition just three minutes into the second half.
Monaco, who were reduced to 10 men shortly after, were left with an uphill battle in their efforts to mount a comeback. Midfielder Moatasem al-Musrati was shown a red card in the 52nd minute, leaving the French side handicapped for the remainder of the match.
Benfica, twice European Cup winners in the 1960s, will now look to complete the job in Lisbon during the second leg on Tuesday, February 18. The winners of this tie will face a formidable challenge in the round of 16, where they will meet either Liverpool or Barcelona.
Pavlidis Continues Fine Form for Benfica
The Greek international, Vangelis Pavlidis, has been in scintillating form in the Champions League this season. After his brace in the 5-4 loss to Barcelona last month, he made the difference once again in Monaco. Pavlidis capitalized on a well-placed pass, getting goal-side of Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu, before coolly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki for the match-winner.
Benfica were hoping for a repeat of their previous victory over Monaco in the group stages, where they came from behind to win 3-2, aided by a red card for Monaco’s Wilfried Singo. This time, they managed to take the lead early in the second half, with Pavlidis’s clinical finish being the only goal of the match.
Monaco’s Setback and Al-Musrati’s Early Exit
Monaco’s comeback hopes were further dashed when al-Musrati was shown a second yellow card and a red for dissent in the 52nd minute. The Libyan midfielder had been protesting to the referee after a foul on teammate Breel Embolo, but his request for a yellow card instead saw him dismissed from the pitch.
Monaco have now endured a difficult run in Europe, having lost four of their last five Champions League matches. A win in the return leg next week is crucial if they are to stay alive in the competition.
Looking Ahead: The Return Leg in Lisbon
With a slim advantage heading into the second leg, Benfica will aim to finish off their French opponents in Lisbon and secure a place in the quarter-finals. Monaco will have to regroup quickly, as their hopes of progression rest on a positive result next Tuesday.
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