Benfica vs Monaco: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

SL Benfica carries a 1–0 aggregate lead into the second leg of the Champions League playoff stage after their disciplined display at the Stade Louis II, where a goal from Ángel Di María (16') separated the sides.

Despite Monaco's dominance in possession (55%) and attempts (23 to 6), Benfica's defensive resilience, led by Nicolás Otamendi (67 recoveries in UCL), kept the clean sheet.

With Benfica strong at home and Monaco needing at least two goals to progress, this promises to be an intense battle.

• Fixture: Benfics vs Monaco
• Date: 18 February 2025
• Kick-off: 20:00 CET
• Venue: Estádio do SL Benfica, Lisbon
• First Leg Result: Monaco 0–1 Benfica
  

• Matches Played: 4
• Benfica Wins: 3
• Monaco Wins: 0
• Draws: 1
• Goals: Benfica 5 – 2 Monaco
  

• 12 Feb 2025 (1st leg): Monaco 0–1 Benfica (Di María 16')
• 27 Nov 2024: Monaco 2–3 Benfica (UCL)
• 4 Nov 2014: Benfica 1–0 Monaco (UCL)
• 22 Oct 2014: Monaco 0–0 Benfica (UCL)
  

• (W) Santsa Clara 0-1 Benfica (15 Feb, Primeira Liga)
• (W) Monaco 0–1 Benfica (12 Feb, UCL)
• (W) Benfica 3–2 Moreirense (8 Feb, Primeira Liga)
• (W) Estrela 2–3 Benfica (2 Feb, Primeira Liga)
• (W) Juventus 0–2 Benfica (29 Jan, UCL)

Form Overview: 5 Wins – Benfica are in fantastic form, winning 5 consecutive matches, including an impressive away win at Juventus.

• (W) Monaco 7-1 Nantes (15 Feb, Ligue 1)
• (L) Monaco 0–1 Benfica (12 Feb, UCL)
• (L) Paris 4–1 Monaco (7 Feb, Ligue 1)
• (W) Monaco 4–2 Auxerre (1 Feb, Ligue 1)
• (L) Inter 3–0 Monaco (29 Jan, UCL)

Form Overview: 2 Wins, 3 Losses – Monaco have struggled on the whole recently, suffering heavy defeats against Inter and PSG, but a 7-1 win in their most recent game gives them confidence.

Strengths:

• Defensive Solidity: Otamendi and Al Musrati formed a wall in the first leg.
• Clinical Finishing: Scored from their only clear chance (Di María 16’).
• Counterattacks: Quick transitions with Di María and Cabral.

Weaknesses:

• Possession Retention: Only 75% pass accuracy and 45% possession.
• Fouls and Discipline: 4 yellow cards in the first leg.

Key Players:

• Ángel Di María: Scored the winner, UCL experience vital.
• Nicolás Otamendi: 67 UCL ball recoveries, defensive leader.
• Florentino Luis: Anchor in midfield who can have a big influence on the game.
  

Strengths:

• Attacking Volume: 23 attempts and 7 corners in the first leg.
• Possession Control: 55% with 83% passing accuracy.
• Wide Play: 25% crossing accuracy with Vanderson a key threat.

Weaknesses:

• Shot Conversion: 23 attempts but only 6 on target.
• Defensive Vulnerability: Conceded 14 goals in their last 5 matches.

Key Players:

• Vanderson: 63 UCL ball recoveries, threat from the flank.
• Takumi Minamino: Impactful off the bench, 4 UCL assists.
• Breel Embolo: Highly experienced forward who can be a match-winner.
  

• Otamendi vs Biereth: Experience vs predatory instincts.
• Di María vs Vanderson: Veteran creativity vs youthful pace.
• Luis vs Minamino: Midfield control and chance creation
  

• Benfica at Home vs French Teams: W8 D3 L2 (Strong record in Lisbon)
• Monaco Away vs Portuguese Teams: W1 D3 L5 (Struggle in Portugal)
• Benfica have won just one of their last eight UCL matches at home.
• Monaco have lost their last 2 UCL away matches by a combined score of 0–6.
  

SL Benfica (4-3-3) -

• Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
• Defenders: Alexander Bah, Nicolás Otamendi, António Silva, Alvaro Carreras
• Midfielders: Orkun Kokcu, Florentino Luis, Ángel Di María
• Forwards: Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Vangelis Pavlidis, Andreas Schjelderup

AS Monaco (4-2-3-1) –

• Goalkeeper: Radoslaw Majecki
• Defenders: Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, Wilfried Singo
• Midfielders: Krepin Diatta, Denis Zakaria
• Attacking Midfielders: Aleksandr Golovin, Breel Embolo, Takumi Minamino
• Forward: Mika Biereth
  

• Benfica's Fortress: The Eagles have won four of their last six home games.
• Monaco's Away Struggles: Poor record in Portugal and recent UCL away defeats.
• Tactical Discipline: Benfica showed they can absorb pressure and counter effectively.
  

Expect a cagey opening with Benfica relying on counterattacks and set pieces, while Monaco press for an early goal. However, with Benfica’s home strength and superior defensive form, the Portuguese giants are well-placed to secure their spot in the next round.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.