Monaco vs Benfica Predictions

Monaco vs Benfica predictions ahead of this clash in the Champions League. Monaco host Benfica at Stade Louis II on Wednesday, with both sides aiming for a crucial first-leg advantage in their Champions League tie. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Champions League | Feb 12, 2025 at 8pm UK at Stade Louis II

Monaco vs Benfica Predictions

Can Monaco Hold Off Benfica’s European Momentum in This High-Stakes Clash?

• Monaco thrive at home but struggle defensively
  • The hosts have won their last three matches at the Stade Louis II, scoring eight goals but conceding four in the process.
• Benfica’s away form is formidable
  • The Portuguese giants have won four of their last five away matches, including a 2-0 victory over Juventus in Turin.
• Pavlidis is a major threat
  • The Greek international has been in exceptional form, scoring seven goals in his last five games, including a hat-trick against Barcelona.

Best Bet for Monaco vs Benfica

Wednesday night sees two sides desperate to gain the upper hand in their Champions League knockout tie, as Monaco welcome Benfica to the Stade Louis II. Both teams have shown moments of brilliance this season, but inconsistency has plagued their campaigns, making this encounter a fascinating test of their credentials at this stage of the competition.

For Monaco, the season has been a rollercoaster. Their surprise 1-0 win against Aston Villa in the group stage showed they have the capability to mix it with Europe’s elite, yet their form has been wildly unpredictable. They opened February with a thrilling 4-2 win over Auxerre, only to be humbled 4-1 by PSG just days later. Adi Hütter’s side have struggled to string together a consistent run of results, winning just three of their last nine across all competitions. However, the Stade Louis II remains a source of strength for them. They have won their last three home games with an aggregate score of 8-4 and have picked up 12 points from their last five home outings.

Benfica, meanwhile, arrive in the principality in a confident mood. Their last Champions League outing may have ended in a chaotic 5-4 defeat to Barcelona, but that hasn’t derailed their form. They have bounced back impressively, securing consecutive 3-2 wins against Moreirense and Estrela in domestic action. More importantly, their away record in Europe is superb—having stunned Juventus with a 2-0 victory in Turin at the end of January, Bruno Lage’s side have now won four of their last five away games. They also have fond memories of this stadium, having edged a thrilling 3-2 victory over Monaco here in the group stage. Given their recent form and attacking firepower, the visitors will feel they can strike another blow on the road.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals

Here at BettingTips4You.com, we don’t flood you with multiple bets—we focus on one standout selection per match, ensuring quality over quantity. For this encounter, the best bet is both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.

This selection is backed by strong reasoning. Firstly, both Monaco and Benfica have been involved in high-scoring matches of late. Monaco’s defensive frailties were exposed in the 4-1 thrashing by PSG, while Benfica were involved in a 5-4 spectacle against Barcelona just last month. Both sides prefer an attacking approach, and neither defence has looked particularly convincing in recent outings.

At home, Monaco have been scoring freely but also conceding, as seen in their recent 8-4 aggregate across three wins at the Stade Louis II. Benfica, meanwhile, have seen four of their last five games across all competitions finish with both sides finding the net. Given the attacking quality on display—especially with Vangelis Pavlidis in red-hot form for the visitors—there’s every reason to expect another lively encounter.

BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick summed it up well:

“Both of these sides have attacking intent, but neither look particularly well-drilled at the back. Expect a frantic game with plenty of chances at both ends. Benfica’s away form makes them dangerous, but Monaco will be desperate to make home advantage count in what should be a goal-fest.”

With the first leg setting the tone for the tie, both teams will be eager to make a statement. Monaco’s home form suggests they will contribute to the scoreline, while Benfica’s firepower, led by the in-form Pavlidis, makes them a real threat. This match has all the ingredients for goals, and both teams to score with over 2.5 goals looks the best way to go.

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Predicted Score: Monaco 2-2 Benfica

Given how both teams have been playing, a high-scoring draw looks the most likely result. Monaco’s attacking strength at home means they should find the net, but their inconsistency and defensive fragility make it hard to see them shutting out Benfica. The Portuguese side have been excellent on the road in Europe, and with Pavlidis in lethal form, they should at least find a couple of goals. A 2-2 scoreline seems a strong possibility, setting up a finely balanced second leg.

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