Player Ratings: Monaco 0-1 Benfica
A Controversial Night for Monaco
On February 12, 2025, the Stade Louis II in Monaco played host to a crucial UEFA Champions League play-off match between AS Monaco and Benfica. The night unfolded with a series of dramatic moments that will be remembered for years to come. In a match that ended 1-0 in favor of Benfica, the standout event was the controversial red card shown to Moatasem Al-Musrati, which further compounded Monaco’s already challenging position.
The First Half: A Cautious Encounter
The first half of the game was characterized by a high degree of caution from both teams. Neither Monaco nor Benfica were willing to take unnecessary risks, leading to a relatively tame opening 45 minutes. The best chance of the half fell to Maghnes Akliouche, who tested Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, with a shot in the ninth minute. Trubin was up to the task, making a crucial save to keep the score level. Despite Benfica’s reputation for being one of the best teams in Europe in transition, they struggled to break down Monaco’s well-organized defense. Alvaro Carreras had a notable effort just before the half, but his shot was saved by Radoslaw Majecki, Monaco’s goalkeeper. Overall, the first half failed to produce any clear-cut opportunities for either side.
The Turning Point: Pavlidis Breaks the Deadlock
The game’s pivotal moment came shortly after the break. Vangelis Pavlidis, a Greek forward known for his sharpness, exploited a weakness in Monaco’s high defensive line. Getting behind the defense, Pavlidis managed to get past Mohammed Salisu, who was caught on the wrong side. Faced with a one-on-one situation, Pavlidis cleverly chipped the ball over Majecki, giving Benfica the lead. This goal not only broke the deadlock but also shifted the momentum in Benfica’s favor. Salisu’s error in positioning was critical, and it was a moment that defined the match.
The Controversy: Al-Musrati’s Red Card
Just four minutes after Pavlidis’ goal, the match took another dramatic turn. Moatasem Al-Musrati, who was already on a yellow card, was involved in a heated exchange. In what can only be described as a moment of ill-judgment, Al-Musrati mimicked the gesture of a referee showing a yellow card to Alvaro Carreras. Instead of issuing the card to Carreras, the referee, most likely taken aback by Al-Musrati’s actions, issued a second yellow card to the Monaco player, resulting in his dismissal. The decision was highly controversial and added to the already heated atmosphere. This incident not only marked a low point for Al-Musrati but also significantly impacted Monaco’s ability to mount a comeback.
Monaco’s Resilience: Holding On
Despite being a man down, Monaco showed commendable resilience in the face of adversity. Radoslaw Majecki, in particular, was a standout performer, making several crucial saves to keep Benfica at bay. One of his best stops came when he denied Pavlidis a second goal from close range, a save that kept Monaco’s hopes of qualification alive. The defense, led by Thilo Kehrer, also put in a commendable performance, managing to resist the pressure from Benfica. However, the red card to Al-Musrati and the absence of a key player like Salisu, who was visibly shaken by his mistake, made the task even more difficult.
Looking Ahead: Monaco’s Path to Lisbon
With the score at 1-0 and a red card to contend with, Monaco heads to Lisbon for the second leg of the play-off with a difficult task ahead. The team will need to show the same resilience and determination they displayed in the later stages of the match. Les Monégasques are down but not out, and with a strong performance in the return leg, they still have a chance to turn the series around. The controversy surrounding the red card to Al-Musrati and the refereeing decisions will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion, but the focus will need to be on the pitch if Monaco is to secure their place in the next round of the UEFA Champions League.
Player Ratings
Radoslaw Majecki – 6
He made crucial saves, notably denying Pavlidis a second goal, but the goal he conceded was largely out of his hands.
Krépin Diatta – 4
Struggled to make an impact and was often overshadowed by his teammates.
Mohammed Salisu – 2
His error in positioning led to the decisive goal, and he looked rattled throughout the match.
Thilo Kehrer – 5
Solid and reliable in defense, providing stability and leadership, especially in the second half.
Vanderson – 4
Had limited influence and was often bypassed by Benfica’s attackers.
Aleksandr Golovin – 4
Failed to make a significant impact in midfield and was often invisible.
Denis Zakaria – 5
Provided some stability in midfield but lacked the creativity needed to break down Benfica’s defense.
Moatasem Al-Musrati – 2
His red card was a significant setback, and his actions led to a controversial decision. Prior to the incident, he looked ill at ease and struggled to control the game.
Maghnes Akliouche – 4
Had a promising chance in the first half but was generally quiet and ineffective.
Breel Embolo – 4
Failed to find the back of the net and was largely ineffective in the final third.
Mika Biereth – 4
Did not make a significant impact and was often out of the game.
