The much-anticipated UEFA Champions League showdown between AS Monaco and SL Benfica kicks off on November 27, 2024, at 21:00 CET. The action unfolds at the iconic Stade Louis II in Monaco. Monaco rides high on their strong domestic form. They sit second in Ligue 1, snapping at the heels of PSG. Their recent 3-2 triumph over Stade Brestois showed off their attacking might. Benfica, meanwhile, demonstrates robustness, clinching victory in four of their last five league fixtures. This indicates they’re geared up for this European matchup.
Both teams come with proud European legacies. Monaco reached the Champions League finals in 2003-2004, finishing runners-up. Benfica has a storied past, with two European Cup wins back in the 1960s. Their last meeting was in 2014 in the Champions League, when Benfica narrowly took the win, finishing 1-0. This adds a historical twist to the present fixture, as both squads try to firm up their standings in the group stage.
Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Benfica’s Kerem Akturkoglu have been standout performers recently, each leaving their mark on prior games. Injuries are a critical factor here. Monaco will miss their key player, Krepin Diatta, and Benfica will be without Alexander Bah due to ongoing health setbacks. To dive deeper into team details, check out these profiles for AS Monaco and Benfica.
Monaco vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tip
Guessing the result of a match this evenly matched is quite a challenge. Yet, considering both teams’ current form, this could likely end in a draw. Their head-to-head stats are pretty evenly matched, and both teams are desperate for critical points to advance beyond the group stage.
| Monaco vs Benfica Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Suggested Bet | Odds |
| Bet on a Draw | 3.8 – 3.9 |
Expecting a draw stems from each team’s similar performance levels and the stakes of the game, with neither side wanting to miss out on progression chances.
Monaco vs Benfica Odds
The betting world offers odds for a draw between 3.8 and 3.9. This suggests a tightly-packed contest. Benfica holds a slight edge with marginally better odds. This reflects how bookmakers see the two teams’ relative strengths and their recent forms. The attacking potential from both squads also means a higher-scoring game is on the cards.
| Monaco vs Benfica Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Monaco Win | Higher odds than Benfica |
| Draw | 3.8 – 3.9 |
| Benfica Win | Slightly lower odds |
Monaco Team Analysis
Monaco Recent Performance
Monaco’s recent displays highlight their attacking dynamism and competitive spirit in Ligue 1 and on the European front. The recent 3-2 victory over Stade Brestois underscores their offensive unity, with significant plays from Akliouche and Zakaria. Monaco’s form across all competitions reads W-W-W-L-L, revealing a knack for scoring goals but some defensive gaps.
| Monaco Recent Matches | Result |
|---|---|
| vs. Stade Brestois | 3-2 W |
| vs. Bologna FC (UCL) | 1-0 W |
| vs. PSG | 1-0 W |
| vs. Lorient | 2-3 L |
| vs. Lille | 1-2 L |
Monaco ranks second in Ligue 1, just behind PSG, with a commendable scoring rate of 2.5 goals per game. While their defense occasionally falters, their perseverance shines through in results like the win over PSG.
Monaco Key Players
Maghnes Akliouche is one of Monaco’s breakout stars, possibly catching the eye of the French national team selectors. Denis Zakaria fortifies the midfield, combining defensive and offensive skills. Aleksandr Golovin remains a crucial creative force, while Breel Embolo is vital for goals up front.
In defense, Thilo Kehrer’s role is pivotal for maintaining structure, alongside goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki, whose performances could tip the balance. Young prodigy Eliesse Ben Seghir adds spark and fresh energy to the team’s tactical setup.
Monaco Suspensions & Injuries
Monaco is dealing with key absences, posing a challenge to their depth and tactics. The injury list affecting their strength includes:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Folarin Balogun | Dislocated shoulder | Out |
| Edan Diop | Foot injury | Out |
| Krepin Diatta | Adductor injury | Out |
| Mamadou Coulibaly | Cruciate ligament injury | Out |
Injuries to significant attacking players like Balogun and Diatta will push Monaco to lean on tactical ingenuity and midfield creativity to maintain their edge. Coach Adolf Hütter must strategize effectively, balancing regular starters with emerging talents for consistent performances.
Monaco Tactics and Formation
Expect Monaco to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This lets their creative midfielders like Zakaria and Golovin assist the lone striker during Balogun’s absence. Full-backs Vanderson and Caio Henrique will offer width and support transitions from defense to attack.
The strategy relies on a solid midfield base of Zakaria and Camara, enabling tactical shifts between pressing and counter-attacks as the match demands. Breel Embolo should lead the attack, with Akliouche and Ben Seghir exploiting spaces in Benfica’s defense via quick moves and precise plays.
Benfica Team Analysis
Benfica Recent Performance
Benfica comes to Monaco on the back of an impressive spell, winning four out of their last five games across different stages. Their league efforts are notable, with big wins over rivals Porto and Sporting CP. In the Champions League, they faced a narrow 0-1 loss against a commanding Bayern Munich.
| Benfica Recent Matches | Result |
|---|---|
| vs. Bayern Munich (UCL) | 0-1 L |
| vs. Porto | 3-1 W |
| vs. Sporting CP | 2-1 W |
| vs. Estrela da Amadora | 7-0 W |
| vs. Arouca | 1-0 W |
Benfica’s impressive league and European showings are bolstered by their scoring prowess, seen in massive victories like the 7-0 win over Estrela da Amadora. Defense-wise, they’ve kept a solid backline, aided by experienced players like Otamendi and Silva.
Benfica Key Players
Ángel Di María’s playmaking is vital, infusing creativity into Benfica’s attacks. Kerem Akturkoglu’s knack for goals and decisive runs challenges defenses. In defense, Antonio Silva plays a key role with Nicolás Otamendi, ensuring stability.
Florentino Luís bridges defense and attack in midfield, while Vangelis Pavlidis poses a constant scoring threat. Ángel Gomes steps in to boost creativity when Di María rotates, contributing significantly to Benfica’s offensive strategies.
Benfica Suspensions & Injuries
Benfica, too, faces major injury-induced absences that might shift their tactical focus and defensive setup. Critical players ruled out include:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Tiago Gouveia | Shoulder injury | Out |
| Gianluca Prestianni | Ankle injury | Out |
| Alexander Bah | Knee injury | Out |
Bah’s absence is a noticeable hit to their defensive depth, requiring Silva and Otamendi to possibly take on expanded roles. Benfica’s depth allows for adaptability, though, with younger talents filling needed roles to preserve their strategic framework.
Benfica Tactics and Formation
Benfica may opt for a 4-3-3 or switch to a 4-2-3-1, depending on how the game progresses and Coach Bruno Lage’s tactical inclinations. Ángel Di María’s versatility allows him to play as a wide attacker or central orchestrator, employing his experience to guide the attack’s rhythm.
Their approach emphasizes strategic possession and swift flank assaults. The Silva-Otamendi pairing at the back furnishes defensive sturdiness, further supported by overlapping full-backs who energize transitions from the backline to striking positions.
Kerem Akturkoglu’s role is pivotal in forward endeavors through his direct runs and finishes, while midfield players like Florentino Luís and Orkun Kökcü manage the game’s ebb and flow through precise distribution and pace control.
Monaco vs Benfica Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Monaco and Benfica’s engagements often end unpredictably. Their last match saw Benfica clinching a 1-0 win in their 2014 Champions League face-off.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco | Benfica | 0-1 |
| Benfica | Monaco | 2-1 |
| Monaco | Benfica | 0-0 |
Over their recorded three meetings, Benfica holds the upper hand with two wins, and a single match ending in a draw. The average goal count is about 1.5 per game, suggesting carefully strategized performances.
These past encounters provide a balanced stage for this game, where the current form might be a stronger determinant of the outcome. Both teams filled with footballing talent and history, set this as a promising Champions League spectacle.
Venue and Weather
The game unfolds at the picturesque Stade Louis II, known for its vibrant Champions League experiences. The forecast for November 27, 2024, hints at a comfortably cool 14.17°C and some light rain during game time.
These conditions promise a quick-paced tactical face-off, favoring teams with technical finesse and quick passing. With light winds of 1.94 m/s, environmental factors should minimally disrupt play, allowing each side to execute their strategies intact.
Rain-dampened pitches lead to shifts in ball movement, facilitating brisk play transitions. Players must stay sharp with ball handling, potentially amplifying game speed—areas where both Monaco and Benfica thrive.
With the home advantage, Monaco is set to play before an avid local crowd under drizzly skies, matching up dynamically with favorable conditions for a balanced football showcase. For more Champions League insights, see the Champions League matches overview, which ties into ongoing European competitions.
