In a thrilling match, Benfica managed to secure a 3-3 draw against Monaco, securing their spot in the Champions League last 16 with a 4-3 overall win in the play-off round.
Despite Monaco taking the lead twice during the game and coming close to forcing extra-time, Orkun Kokcu’s 84th minute goal helped Benfica narrowly advance in Lisbon. Their next opponent will be either Barcelona or Liverpool.
Kerem Akturkoglu scored the first goal for the hosts against the flow of the game, but Takumi Minamino equalised for Monaco after 32 minutes. Eliesse Ben Seghir then put Monaco in the lead, but Vangelis Pavlidis’ penalty kick levelled the score. French youngster George Ilenikhena scored for Monaco in the 81st minute, but Kokcu’s goal secured Benfica’s victory.
