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Preview: AS Monaco Eager to Extend U UCL Unbeaten Streak vs. Benfica
AS Monaco faces a crucial showdown in the 2024 UEFA Champions League as they prepare to host Benfica at the Stade Louis II. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams coming into the game in strong form, especially in the European competition. Monaco, led by manager Adi Hütter, will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Champions League, while Portuguese giants Benfica aim to maintain their own strong standing in the tournament. With both teams boasting a rich history in European football and a roster of talent, this promises to be a captivating clash.
Monaco’s Champions League Ambitions
AS Monaco has always been a force to be reckoned with in European football. While they have experienced some ups and downs in recent years, the team has shown resilience and determination in European competitions. Under manager Adi Hütter, Monaco has adopted a high-pressing, attacking style of football that has been both entertaining and effective. The team has been solid defensively, yet it is their fluid attacking play that has won them admirers across Europe.
Monaco’s current unbeaten streak in the Champions League is a source of pride for the team. They have navigated through the group stages without suffering defeat, and a win against Benfica would not only extend their unbeaten run but also strengthen their position in the competition. With the likes of Wissam Ben Yedder, Aleksandr Golovin, and Breel Embolo leading the charge, Monaco is confident that their attacking trio can break down any defense.
The importance of this match cannot be overstated. For Monaco, securing another three points will bring them one step closer to advancing to the knockout stages of the Champions League. The top two positions in their group are highly contested, and every match counts. As the group stage draws to a close, this game against Benfica could be pivotal in determining whether Monaco finishes at the top of the group, or faces a more challenging opponent in the next round.
Benfica’s European Resurgence
Benfica has been in fine form this season, both domestically and in Europe. The Portuguese club, under the guidance of manager Roger Schmidt, has adopted a modern, attacking style of play that has seen them dominate in the Primeira Liga and impress in the Champions League. Benfica’s high pressing game, combined with their quick transitions and clinical finishing, has made them one of the most dangerous teams in Europe.
Benfica’s Champions League campaign has been impressive so far, and they remain undefeated, much like Monaco. However, the Portuguese side has faced tougher opposition and has had to dig deep to secure important results. With Gonçalo Ramos leading the line, Benfica’s attack is potent, and they will rely heavily on their young striker’s ability to score crucial goals. Alongside Ramos, the creative midfield duo of João Mário and Enzo Fernández has been key to Benfica’s success. These two players have been instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game and providing the necessary service to the forwards.
Defensively, Benfica has been resolute, but they will face one of their toughest challenges of the group stage in Monaco. Their defense, marshaled by Nicolás Otamendi and António Silva, will have to be at its best to cope with Monaco’s fast-paced attacking play. While Benfica’s defensive record has been strong, they have occasionally been vulnerable to high-pressure attacks, and Monaco’s pressing game could exploit these weaknesses.
For Benfica, this match represents a major opportunity to assert their dominance in the group and move one step closer to the knockout stages. A win in Monaco would give them a huge advantage in securing a top-two finish and avoiding a tougher draw in the next round of the competition.
Key Players to Watch
Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco)
Wissam Ben Yedder is the heartbeat of AS Monaco’s attack. The French striker has been in exceptional form this season, consistently finding the back of the net. His ability to make runs behind the defense, link up play, and finish with precision makes him one of the most dangerous players in Monaco’s attacking setup. Ben Yedder’s movement off the ball and his clinical finishing will be crucial if Monaco is to extend their unbeaten run in the Champions League.
Gonçalo Ramos (Benfica)
Gonçalo Ramos is one of the most promising young strikers in Europe. The 23-year-old has already shown his ability to score goals at the highest level, and his movement in the box and off-the-ball intelligence make him a constant threat. Ramos’ ability to finish chances and his link-up play with Benfica’s midfielders could be key in breaking down Monaco’s defense. If Benfica is to leave Monaco with a victory, Ramos will need to be at his clinical best.
Aleksandr Golovin (Monaco)
Golovin’s creativity and ability to pick out key passes make him one of Monaco’s most important players. The Russian midfielder has been a central figure in Monaco’s attacking play, and his vision and dribbling skills will be key in unlocking Benfica’s defense. Golovin’s ability to contribute both in the final third and defensively will be crucial for Monaco in this high-stakes clash.
Enzo Fernández (Benfica)
Enzo Fernández has been one of Benfica’s standout players this season. The Argentine midfielder is a maestro in the center of the park, capable of dictating the tempo of the game, breaking up opposition attacks, and creating chances for his teammates. Fernández’s ability to control possession and provide incisive passes could be the key to unlocking Monaco’s defense. His vision and work rate will be critical if Benfica is to maintain its unbeaten run in the Champions League.
Tactical Breakdown
Monaco’s approach under Adi Hütter has been characterized by high pressing, rapid transitions, and fluid attacking play. They look to win the ball back high up the pitch and exploit spaces quickly, utilizing the pace of their forwards. Against Benfica, this pressing game will be key. Monaco will look to disrupt Benfica’s buildup from the back and force mistakes in dangerous areas. The speed of Ben Yedder, Embolo, and Golovin will be crucial in creating goal-scoring opportunities. However, Monaco’s high pressing style also leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks, and they will need to ensure their defensive organization is solid to prevent Benfica from exploiting the spaces behind their defense.
Benfica, on the other hand, plays with a similar intensity, pressing high and transitioning quickly. Their midfield, led by João Mário and Enzo Fernández, will look to control the game and dictate the pace. Benfica will aim to break Monaco’s high line with quick, vertical passes and use the movement of Gonçalo Ramos to exploit any gaps in Monaco’s defense. Defensively, Benfica will need to be disciplined to handle Monaco’s counterattacks, particularly through the pace and creativity of Golovin and the clinical finishing of Ben Yedder.
Injury Updates and Team News
Monaco has a fully fit squad, with no significant injury concerns ahead of this crucial match. Manager Adi Hütter will likely stick to his preferred 4-3-3 formation, with Ben Yedder leading the line supported by Golovin and Embolo. In midfield, Fofana and Camara will provide the engine room, while at the back, Maripán and Disasi (if fit) will be key to maintaining defensive solidity.
Benfica, too, comes into the match with a near-full squad, although they will be without Fredrik Aursnes, who has been sidelined with injury. Roger Schmidt will likely stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation, with Gonçalo Ramos leading the attack and João Mário and Enzo Fernández pulling the strings in midfield. Otamendi and Silva will be crucial in defense, tasked with containing Monaco’s pacey forwards.
Prediction
This match promises to be a high-energy, entertaining affair with plenty of attacking intent. Both teams have a wealth of attacking talent, and both will look to press and counter in equal measure. However, Monaco’s unbeaten run in the Champions League and their home advantage give them a slight edge going into this clash.
With Wissam Ben Yedder in top form and Monaco’s fluid attacking play, I predict a 2-1 win for Monaco. However, Benfica will not make it easy, and their potent counterattacks, led by Gonçalo Ramos, will make them a constant threat. The game is likely to be decided by individual moments of brilliance, and Monaco’s attacking quality could see them edge out their Portuguese counterparts.
Conclusion
AS Monaco’s clash with Benfica is one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in the group stage of the 2024 UEFA Champions League. Both teams are in excellent form, and with so much at stake, this match will be a test of their mettle and determination. For Monaco, extending their unbeaten streak will be vital to their European ambitions, while Benfica will be looking to continue their strong run in the competition. With star players on both sides and contrasting styles of play, this promises to be a match filled with excitement, drama, and quality football.
