Wed Feb 12 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Benfica Aim for Another Monaco Win in Crucial Champions League Clash

**Monaco, France –** Benfica travels to the Stade Louis II on Wednesday for a crucial Champions League knockout round playoff clash against a struggling AS Monaco side. The Portuguese giants will be hoping to replicate their 3-2 victory over Monaco earlier this season, a result that contributed to Monaco’s disappointing 17th-place league finish.

Monaco, returning to the Champions League after a hiatus, secured a top-24 finish—a goal in itself—but their form has been alarming, suffering five defeats in their last nine matches and conceding 11 goals in their last four. A recent 4-1 drubbing at the hands of PSG further highlights their woes. Their historical struggles against Portuguese teams, with only one win in eight matches, don’t bode well.

Benfica, on the other hand, arrives with renewed confidence after overcoming a recent slump. Following a string of unconvincing results, including a dramatic 5-4 loss to Barcelona, they’ve bounced back with impressive wins, including a crucial 2-0 victory over Juventus to secure their playoff spot. Their recent domestic form also shows a clear upward trajectory.

However, Benfica will be without several key players due to injury, including Alexander Bah and Manu Silva. While Angel Di Maria and Arthur Cabral are expected to return, the fitness of these players, combined with Monaco’s own injury crisis, which sees key players like Lamine Camara, Christian Mawissa, and possibly Jordan Teze and Wilfried Singo sidelined, will surely impact the match. Monaco could see the Champions League debut of Mika Biereth up front.

Despite their recent struggles, Monaco possess the talent to challenge Benfica. The match promises to be a closely fought encounter, with Benfica’s recent away form in the Champions League (four wins in their last five) suggesting a potential upset. However, a third consecutive away victory might prove a step too far for the Portuguese side.

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