Monaco vs Benfica Predictions

Benfica might end up as the better side over AS Monaco here. The Ligue 1 side have only won a single outing against a Portuguese opponent in Europe.

Match info: UEFA Champions League

Venue: Stade Louis II, Monaco

Date: Wednesday, 12^th February 2025

Time: 9 pm Nigerian time

Benfica travel to the Stade Louis II for the second time this season to face Monaco in the Champions League knockout round playoffs on Wednesday night.

The visitors will hope for a repeat of the 3-2 win they enjoyed here in the principality during the league phase, with hosts Monaco enduring a bit of a shaky run of form.

Head-to-head:

• Monaco have never won this fixture in 3 UEFA Champions League meetings.
• Benfica recorded 2 victories.
• The remaining clash ended in a draw.
• Benfica already defeated Monaco in the league phase of UCL this season.
• Monaco have failed to score in two of their last three meetings with Benfica in Europe.
• Monaco have enjoyed just one Champions League victory over a Portuguese opposition.

Form:

• Monaco in the Champions League: W-L-L-W-L
• Monaco in all competitions: W-W-L-W-L
• Benfica in the Champions League: L-W-D-L-W
• Benfica in all competitions: L-L-W-W-W

Team News:

• The hosts AS Monaco will be without the services of Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena for their next fixture due to injuries.
• Benfica will not have Angel Di Maria, Manu, Alexander Bah, Arthur Cabral and Renato Sanches for their upcoming fixture as they are injured.

Player(s) to watch:

• Maghnes Akliouche is going to play a key part for AS Monaco in their upcoming match against Benfica. From controlling the midfield to being beneficial in attack, Maghnes Akliouche can help his side in both aspects. He will have to stay calm and composed and should help his side open up spaces in the opponent’s defence.
• Vangelis Pavlidis is a very important player for Benfica. In the absence of Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis will have to step up and help his team on the attacking front. In the upcoming UEFA Champions League match, Vangelis Pavlidis with his goal-scoring abilities can help his side.