In a dramatic UEFA Champions League clash at Estádio da Luz, Benfica and AS Monaco played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, with the Portuguese side securing a 4-3 aggregate victory to advance to the Round of 16.
The match began with Benfica extending their aggregate lead in the 22nd minute when Kerem Aktürkoğlu found the net. Monaco responded swiftly, equalizing in the 32nd minute through Takumi Minamino.
Early in the second half, Monaco’s Eliesse Ben Seghir scored in the 51st minute, putting the visitors ahead 2-1 and leveling the aggregate score. Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis converted a penalty in the 76th minute, bringing the match to 2-2.
Monaco’s George Ilenikhena then scored in the 81st minute, giving Monaco a 3-2 lead and putting them ahead on aggregate. However, Benfica’s Orkun Kökçü secured the decisive goal in the 84th minute, ensuring a 3-3 draw and a 4-3 aggregate win for the home side.
This result propels Benfica into the Champions League Round of 16, where they will face either Barcelona or Liverpool.