AS Monaco came close to securing their spot in the Champions League round of 16, but a cruel ending saw them eliminated after a 3-3 draw against Benfica. Despite leading for most of the game, the Monégasques conceded late and saw their European journey come to an end, despite a goal from Eliesse Ben Seghir.
Adi Hütter’s men had done the hard part. After Kerem Aktürkoğlu opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, Takumi Minamino quickly brought Monaco back into the game with an equalizer in the 32nd. Just after halftime, Eliesse Ben Seghir put his team ahead (51’) with a beautifully crafted move: a run from Maghnes Akliouche, a precise cross, a clever dummy by Embolo, and a clinical finish from the young Atlas Lion.
At that point, AS Monaco had one foot in the next round. Even after Vangelis Pavlidis equalized from the penalty spot (76’), the Red and White found the strength to regain the lead through George Ilenikhena (81’). Extra time seemed inevitable.
But in the final moments, Monaco’s defense crumbled. A mistake by Wilfried Singo gifted a final chance to Orkun Kökçü, who made no mistake in leveling the score (84’). A devastating blow for Monaco, who had done enough to deserve a better outcome.
Despite a strong performance, AS Monaco exits the Champions League with regrets. A cruel fate for Eliesse Ben Seghir and his teammates, who proved they had the level to compete at this stage.
