Match Summary
Benfica defeated Monaco 1:0. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2024. Goals were scored by V. Pavlidis 48′. 6 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Monaco had 44% possession while Benfica held 56%. Monaco had 6 shots (3 on target) compared to 23 (6 on target) for Benfica. Expected goals: Monaco 0.39 — Benfica 2.17. Monaco made 3 substitutions, Benfica made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Monaco and Benfica — 1 goals and 7 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Monaco had 44% possession against Benfica's 56%. Monaco registered 6 shots (3 on target) while Benfica managed 23 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 2–7. Fouls committed: 10–14.
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 6.64, compared to 7.13 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 Al Musrati (7.01), while Benfica's best-rated player is A. Schjelderup (7.37).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Monaco have contributed 2 goals and 4 assists this season, led by Al Musrati (1G). Benfica's starters account for 5 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by A. Schjelderup (3G). 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 6.55 on average, against Benfica's 4-man backline averaging 7.11. 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 6.83, 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 6.27, compared to 3 for Benfica averaging 7.37. 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 67% for Monaco and 79% 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 9 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 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 25.9 (youngest: M. Biereth (22), oldest: Al Musrati (29)), while Benfica average 24.3 (youngest: A. Schjelderup (21), oldest: F. Aursnes (30)). 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 8 league appearances each, versus 12 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