Benfica edge past Monaco to reach Champions League last 16
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Benfica secured a dramatic 4-3 aggregate victory over Monaco in the Champions League playoff, surviving a spirited comeback to book their place in the last 16.
Holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, Benfica were second-best for much of the return fixture at Estádio da Luz but managed to edge past their determined opponents.
Kerem Aktürkoglu opened the scoring for the hosts in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Monaco.
However, Takumi Minamino quickly equalized, shifting momentum in favour of the visitors.
Monaco's Breel Embolo missed a golden opportunity before Eliesse Ben Seghir fired them ahead early in the second half.
Benfica regained control when Thilo Kehrer fouled Fredrik Aursnes in the box, allowing Vangelis Pavlidis to convert from the spot.
Substitute George Ilenikhena put Monaco back in front on the night, but a late flick from Orkun Kökçü ensured Benfica advanced 4-3 on aggregate.
The Portuguese giants now await a last-16 showdown against either Barcelona or Liverpool.
Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah
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