Ángel Di María Ruled Out
Benfica suffered a significant setback ahead of their UEFA Champions League return leg against AS Monaco with the news that their star forward, Ángel Di María, will be sidelined. Di María was initially rushed back from an injury to participate in the latter stages of the first leg, but his appearance backfired as he aggravated his hamstring. The Argentine’s absence is a considerable blow to Benfica’s attacking prowess, especially after their 1-0 loss in Monaco. Di María’s creativity and goalscoring ability have been crucial this season, and his team will sorely miss his contributions on the pitch.
More Injuries and Suspensions for Benfica
Adding to the list of woes, Benfica will be missing other key players. Alexander Bah and Manu Silva, two important defensive stalwarts, are out for the season due to ACL injuries sustained just before the first leg. Forward Tiago Gouveia, who has been a promising young talent, is also out due to an injury, further thinning the ranks of Benfica’s attack. Renato Sanches, who has been on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is another absentee, and his absence robs the midfield of a dynamic presence. Additionally, Florentino Luis, who was already in the spotlight after his return from Monaco, is suspended for this match. The cumulative effect of these absences means that Head Coach Roger Schmidt will have to rejig his lineup to face a strong Monaco side.
Hero of the First Leg
Despite the injuries, Benfica has one player who can provide a glimmer of hope: Vangelis Pavlidis. The Greek forward scored the only goal in the first leg, and his performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing result. Pavlidis, known for his tenacity and finishing ability, will once again be tasked with leading the line for the Portuguese side. His role in the team has grown increasingly important, and he will need to step up and deliver in the absence of Di María and Gouveia. The pressure is on Pavlidis to not only score but also to create opportunities for his teammates.
Benfica’s Likely Lineup
Given the injuries and suspensions, Benfica’s lineup for the return leg looks as follows: In goal, Anatoliy Trubin will be relied upon to keep Monaco’s attack at bay. The defense will consist of Álvaro Carreras, Nicolás Otamendi, Antonio Silva, and Tomás Araújo. This quartet will be crucial in maintaining a solid defensive line, especially against a Monaco team that is known for its clinical finishing. In the midfield, Orkun Kökçü and Leandro Barreiro will anchor the team, providing both defensive cover and transitioning the ball to the attack. Fredrik Aursnes, a reliable and versatile player, will also feature in the middle of the park. Up front, Andreas Schjelderup will join Vangelis Pavlidis, with Muhamed Kerem Aktürkoglu providing additional creativity and support.
The Challenge Ahead
Benfica faces a daunting task in overturning the 1-0 deficit from the first leg. Monaco’s home advantage and the absence of several key players make the challenge even more formidable. The Portuguese side will need to be disciplined and tactical, focusing on counter-attacks and making the most of their limited resources. Roger Schmidt’s experience in European football will be vital in guiding his team through this difficult phase. The players will need to find a way to stay composed under pressure and execute their game plan effectively. The atmosphere at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica’s home ground, will play a crucial role, and the fans are expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s morale.
Looking Forward
Despite the setbacks, there is a sense of determination within the Benfica camp. The team will draw inspiration from their past European successes and the resilience shown by players like Vangelis Pavlidis. The younger players in the lineup will have a chance to prove themselves on a big stage, and this could be a defining moment for their careers. Monaco is a strong opponent, but Benfica’s history and the spirit of their current squad suggest that anything is possible. The return leg is set to be a thrilling and closely contested battle, and football fans around the world will be tuning in to see if Benfica can pull off an upset and advance to the next round.
