There are evenings when effort and plume are not enough. This Wednesday, Monaco came close to the feat, hit the hope of the fingertips before collapsing on the finish line. Led after 22 minutes, returned, then passed ahead, Adi Hütter's men ended up giving in to the Benfica experience. The final 3-3, spectacular and cruel, seals their elimination, after a short 1-0 defeat in the first leg.
An upset departure but a reaction full of character
The start of the evening was not mild for the Monegasques. From the 22nd minute, Kerem Artukoglu struck the first, taking advantage of a specific center in Pavlidis to crucify Majecki at the second post. A blow for Monaco, already back to the wall after failure to go. But this time, players from the Principality did not flank. Ten minutes later, Takumi Minamino, served by Embolo, torn the equalization from a raging strike from the first post.
This same, unhappy embolos saw his attempt hit the post (31st), before missing a huge opportunity just before the break (45th+2). Despite this missed, ASM returned from the locker room with intact ambition. In the 51st minute, Eliesse Ben Seghir, an opportunistic after a first duel lost in front of Trubin (47th), gave his family the advantage of a pure and unstoppable strike (51st). Monaco then held its extension, in a suddenly silent estadio.
Fatal errors in a breathtaking final
But the scenario took a tragic turning point a quarter of an hour from the end. Thilo Kehrer, Monegasque captain, committed the irreparable by mowing in the area (75th). The merciless Var offered Pavlidis the opportunity to equalize. The Greek did not be asked, transforming the penalty with composure. A blow? Not for George Ilenikhena, a young nugget of 18, who, a minute after his entry, gave hope to Monaco by beating in turn with a powerful shot after a daring recovery.
But Monegasque dreams have turned out in three minutes. Orkun Kökçü, the other Turkish from Benfica, forgotten in the surface, has taken over a perfect center from Carreras to definitively break the momentum of the ASM. This 3-3, thrilling but cruel, symbolizes the Monegasque route: talent, heart, but defensive flaws unfinished at this level.
Eternal regrets for Monaco
By letting this qualification spin, Monaco deprives himself of a first appearance in the round of 16 since 2017. Adi Hütter, despite a combative face displayed by his players, will have to be satisfied with the championship. The experience of Benfica, skillful to exploit the slightest flaw, made the difference. While Lille and PSG (or Brest) continue their journey, Monaco, he has to digest an evening where everything seemed possible, but where fate chose the other camp.
