Wed Feb 12 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Benfica Faces Monaco in Crucial Champions League Clash
**MONACO, February 2025** – Benfica and Monaco face off tonight in a high-stakes Champions League Round of 16 first leg match at the Stade Louis II. The two teams, who finished their group stage with identical 13 points, are set for a rematch of their November encounter, which saw Benfica snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory thanks to two late goals assisted by Ángel Di María.
Benfica enters the match with midfielder Florentino, a key player this season with 27 appearances, starting in the lineup alongside Trubin, Antonio Silva, Araújo, Otamendi, Carreras, Aursnes, Kökcü, Schjelderup, Akturkoglu, and Pavlidis. Monaco counters with Majecki, Vanderson, Salisu, Kehrer, Diatta, Akliouche, Zakaria, Al Musrati, Golovin, Embolo, and Biereth.
Benfica boasts a formidable away record this season, claiming 9 out of a possible 12 points. Their away wins include victories against Monaco at the Stade Louis II, Red Star Belgrade, and Juventus. Their only away loss was against Bayern Munich.
Monaco will look to leverage their home-field advantage, having lost only three of their last 21 home matches. The winner of this tie will advance to the next round and potentially face Barcelona. The match promises a thrilling encounter, with both teams aiming for victory.
First Piper 