PLAYER RATINGS | Monaco 2-3 Benfica: Ángel Di María-inspired Benfica end Monaco’s unbeaten run | OneFootball

UEFA Champions League, Round 5, 27/11/24

AS Monaco’s unbeaten run in this year’s edition of the UEFA Champions League came to an end at the hands of a Benfica side that had to dig deep to beat the hosts, who played much of the second half with 10 players.

The Match

Monaco dominated the opening exchanges with Aleksandr Golovin dominant and finding his teammates runs. He started and (almost) ended the move that gave Les Monégasques the lead with Eliesse Ben Seghir providing the finishing touch from Golovin’s deft chip into the centre.

The game turned midway through the first half. Alvaro Carreras, already on a yellow, wasn’t handed a second for a strong and late challenge on Wilfried Singo. Indignant, Monaco’s protests resulted in three yellow cards, one of which was for ingo, and it was that one that came back to bite them.

Breel Embolo almost doubled Monaco’s lead early in the second half but on the turn, his well-hit shot struck the post. Seconds later and Benfica were level thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis, who pounced on Caio Henrique’s under-hit header back to Radoslaw Majecki.

In quick succession, both teams then had the ball in the net, but both goals were ruled out for a narrow offside. Then came the game-changing moment with Singo sent off for a second yellow card in the 58th minute. Monaco didn’t cower, instead, they imposed their style on the game and deservedly retook the lead through Soungoutou Magassa.

However, they couldn’t hold on. As legs tired, Benfica began to create chances and Ángel Di María was afforded too much space. He used that space to deadly effect, firstly picking out Alexander Bah to level the scores before then finding Arthur Cabral, who completed the turnaround late on.

It is an important win for Benfica, who end a two-game losing run in the competition. Monaco, meanwhile, succumb to their first defeat in the competition, but remain in the top eight, just behind their next opponent, Arsenal.

Monaco player ratings

Radoslaw Majecki – 6

Caio Henrique – 3

Returning to the starting XI, he didn’t shine and was at fault for the first two goals for Benfica. It was his poor pass back that changed the momentum in this tie, whilst it was also the Brazilian that didn’t do enough as Bah steamed in at the back post to level the scores late on.

Thilo Kehrer – 5

Wilfried Singo – 5

Vanderson – 5

Lamine Camara – 4

Denis Zakaria – 5

Eliesse Ben Seghir – 6

He may not have won the Golden Boy Award, handed to Lamine Yamal earlier today, but he did shine on the night. He was difficult to contain, particularly in the first half and was rewarded with a goal, although his influence did wane as the game went on.

Aleksandr Golovin – 7

The Russian got his first goal involvement over the weekend and he was riding the wave of confidence here, proving to be Monaco’s creative fulcrum throughout. It was a complete performance from Golovin but not one that was rewarded with the three points.

Maghnes Akliouche – 6

Breel Embolo – 5

GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Monaco