Wed Feb 12 19:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Benfica Set to Field Winning XI Against Monaco in Champions League Showdown

**MONTE CARLO** – Benfica coach Bruno Lage is expected to field the same starting eleven that secured a resounding victory over Juventus in Turin for tonight’s crucial Champions League play-off match against AS Monaco. Lage confirmed his team’s determination and ambition ahead of the game at the Stade Louis II, acknowledging the noticeable difference in performance between domestic and international competitions. He attributed this discrepancy to the demanding schedule of matches every three days, requiring careful squad management.

While Benfica has experienced some inconsistent results in the Portuguese Liga – including a loss to Casa Pia and narrow victories over Estrela da Amadora and Moreirense – their Champions League performance has been stellar. The expected starting lineup mirrors the one that dominated Juventus, featuring Trubin in goal, a back four of Tomás Araújo, António Silva, Otamendi, and Álvaro Carreras, midfielders Aursnes, Florentino, and Kokçu, and a forward line of Di María, Pavlidis, and Schjelderup. Pavlidis, in particular, is in excellent form, having scored seven goals in his last five matches.

The match is a high-stakes affair; a victory would give Benfica a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Lisbon on the 18th. Despite a previous 3-2 win against Monaco in the group stage – a hard-fought victory secured only in the dying minutes – Lage is unlikely to make significant changes to his lineup. The team is fully aware of the challenges posed by Monaco’s challenging stadium and will aim for an early lead to secure a comfortable position before the return leg.

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