Match Summary
Benfica defeated Monaco 3:2. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2024. Goals were scored by E. Ben Seghir 13′, V. Pavlidis 48′, S. Magassa 67′, Arthur Cabral 84′, Z. Amdouni 88′. 8 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Monaco had 46% possession while Benfica held 54%. Monaco had 11 shots (5 on target) compared to 18 (8 on target) for Benfica. Expected goals: Monaco 1.69 — Benfica 3.04. Monaco made 5 substitutions, Benfica made 4. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Maghnes Akliouche 51′), Goal cancelled (Alexander Bah 55′).
Match Events
Key match events between Monaco and Benfica — 5 goals and 9 cards recorded during the match.
assist: A. Golovin
assist: Á. Di María
assist: Á. Di María
Match Statistics
Monaco had 46% possession against Benfica's 54%. Monaco registered 11 shots (5 on target) while Benfica managed 18 (8 on target). Corner kicks: 4–7. Fouls committed: 12–8.
Lineups
Monaco lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under A. Hütter, while Benfica deployed a 4-3-3 under Bruno Lage.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Monaco is 6.67, compared to 7.37 for Benfica. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Monaco's highest-rated starter is L. Camara (7.00), while Benfica's best-rated player is Á. Di María (8.06).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Monaco have contributed 1 goals and 4 assists this season, led by M. Akliouche (1G). Benfica's starters account for 6 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by Á. Di María (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Monaco deploy 4 defenders rated 6.58 on average, against Benfica's 4-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Monaco field 5 midfielders averaging 6.87, versus Benfica's 3 rated 6.86. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Monaco start 1 forward(s) averaging 6.70, compared to 3 for Benfica averaging 8.06. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 82% for Monaco and 76% for Benfica. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Monaco's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 1 for Benfica. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Monaco's starting XI is 25.5 (youngest: L. Camara (21), oldest: A. Golovin (29)), while Benfica average 29.8 (youngest: A. Trubin (24), oldest: Á. Di María (37)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Monaco's starters average 6 league appearances each, versus 8 for Benfica. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Monaco have recorded 5 wins, 1 draws and 0 defeats. Benfica show 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Monaco
Benfica
API data: 15 Mar 2026