Benfica vs Monaco Predictions

Benfica vs Monaco predictions as Benfica look to build on their 1-0 lead over Monaco. Benfica and Monaco face off at Estadio da Luz on Tuesday, with a Champions League last-16 spot against Barcelona or Liverpool at stake in their playoff second leg. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Champions League | Feb 18, 2025 at 8pm UK at Estadio da Luz

Benfica vs Monaco Predictions

Will Benfica Finish the Job or Can Monaco Turn the Tide?

• Benfica’s Home Goal Rush
  • The Portuguese giants have scored at least three times in each of their last four home matches, showcasing their attacking dominance at Estadio da Luz.
• Monaco’s Away Struggles
  • The French side have lost four consecutive away matches and have only won once in their last 10 trips, making an away victory highly unlikely.
• Pavlidis on Fire in Europe
  • The Greek striker has scored in four of Benfica’s last five Champions League games and netted in both meetings with Monaco this season.

Best Bet for Benfica vs Monaco

The stakes could not be higher as Benfica and Monaco prepare for a decisive second-leg showdown at the Estadio da Luz. With a place in the Champions League last 16 up for grabs, both sides are set to leave everything on the pitch in a battle that will determine who moves on to face either Barcelona or Liverpool in the next round.

Benfica hold the advantage thanks to a 1-0 victory in the first leg, a match defined by Vangelis Pavlidis’ composed finish. While the Portuguese giants have been in imperious form both domestically and in Europe, their home record in this competition is more fragile than their fans would like to admit. Despite their attacking prowess, they have only won one of their last eight Champions League matches at home, a vulnerability that Monaco will be eager to exploit.

However, the visitors’ confidence will be tempered by their own struggles on the road. Monaco have been abysmal away from home, losing four consecutive matches and managing just one win in their last 10 trips. The French side will also be without several key players due to suspensions and injuries, adding another layer of difficulty to their already daunting task. But after hammering Nantes 7-1 at the weekend, they might just believe in their ability to pull off a remarkable turnaround.

Best Bet: Benfica to Win & Over 2.5 Goals

At BettingTips4You.com, we pride ourselves on delivering a single, high-quality prediction for each match rather than overwhelming readers with countless options. For this clash, our standout pick is Benfica to Win & Over 2.5 Goals, as we expect an open, attacking game where the hosts ultimately prove too strong.

The first leg was a tight affair, but with everything on the line, Monaco will be forced to take more risks. Benfica have been ruthless in front of goal at home, scoring at least three times in each of their last four matches at the Estadio da Luz. However, their defensive frailties were on full display in their last Champions League home match when they conceded five against Barcelona, meaning they cannot afford to sit back and simply protect their lead.

Monaco, for their part, will need to abandon any conservative approach. A cautious display will do them no good, and with Mika Biereth in red-hot form, they certainly have the tools to trouble Benfica’s backline. The Norwegian striker is coming off a stunning hat-trick against Nantes and will be Monaco’s biggest hope of pulling off a comeback. However, defensive weaknesses and suspensions in key areas will make it difficult for the visitors to contain Benfica’s firepower.

Bruno Lage’s side have the momentum, and their clinical attacking form at home suggests they will make Monaco pay for any defensive lapses. The French side might get on the scoresheet, but their chaotic defensive record away from home makes them unlikely to keep Benfica out for long.

“Monaco’s desperation to score will leave them exposed, and that’s where Benfica will strike. The Portuguese giants have been ruthless at home, and with Monaco’s backline in pieces, goals seem inevitable. Expect an exciting but ultimately one-sided affair.”
— BettingTips4You.com expert Gerard Gabasa

Correct Score Prediction: Benfica 3-1 Monaco (Benfica win 4-1 on aggregate)

Monaco’s attacking intent should see them find the net, especially with Biereth in lethal form. However, their defensive issues, combined with Benfica’s efficiency in attack, suggest the hosts will run away with it in the end. A 3-1 victory for the Eagles looks the most likely outcome, confirming their place in the next round.

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