The upcoming Champions League clash between Monaco and Benfica on November 28, 2024, at the iconic Stade Louis II promises to be a gripping encounter. With Monaco third in their group with 10 points, they are primed to solidify their position among the top teams in the competition. Benfica, sitting in 4th place with 6 points, will be eager to get a result and climb the standings.
Referee Rade Obrenovic will oversee the match, played under overcast skies with temperatures around 10°C. The match will be broadcast on Canal+ Extra 6 at 21:00. Monaco has had a b start with 3 wins and a draw, while Benfica’s form has been more mixed, with 2 wins and 2 losses in their last four fixtures.
Key players to watch include Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who has been in electric form, and Benfica’s Kerem Akturkoglu, the team’s top scorer. Our match prediction leans towards a draw, with bookmakers slightly favoring Monaco. An entertaining 1-1 scoreline appears likely, reflecting the balance between these two sides.
Monaco vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this match is a draw, at odds of 3.9. This prediction is based on match tips and facts suggesting a closely contested encounter between two well-matched teams.
| Monaco vs Benfica Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.9 |
- Monaco has had a b start in the Champions League with 3 wins and 1 draw, demonstrating their resilience.
- Benfica has shown a mixed performance but can be formidable, especially given their average of 3.20 goals scored in the last 5 games.
- Both teams have key players such as Maghnes Akliouche and Kerem Akturkoglu, who can change the dynamics, but overall, the teams appear evenly matched.
Monaco vs. Benfica Odds
As the kickoff approaches at Stade Louis II, anticipation is high for this intriguing Champions League clash. Bookmakers have set the odds, reflecting both teams’ potential and recent performances. While Monaco is tipped as the slight favorite, it’s clear that a tightly contested match is expected.
| Monaco vs Benfica Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Monaco | 2.34 |
| Draw | 3.57 |
| Benfica | 2.92 |
Monaco’s home record and current form in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League give them the edge, but Benfica cannot be underestimated. Their impressive average of 3.20 goals per game in the last five matches shows their attacking prowess. With a draw also highly likely, this match promises to be a nail-biter.
Monaco vs Benfica Live Streaming: India
The UEFA Champions League broadcast in India is with the Sony Sports Network. The SonyLiv Website and App have the live streaming rights. Fans can watch Monaco vs Benfica live streaming on SonyLiv at 1:30 AM on Thursday, November 27.
Monaco Team Analysis
Monaco Recent Performance WWWLL
Monaco’s recent form in the last five matches has been quite impressive. With three wins and two losses, they have shown consistency in their performances. Their victories against Brest and Strasbourg showcased their attacking strength, while the narrow win against Bologna highlighted their resilience.
- Average Goals Scored: 1.60
- Clean Sheets: 1
Here’s a breakdown of their recent matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco | Brest | 3-2 (Win) |
| Strasbourg | Monaco | 1-3 (Win) |
| Bologna | Monaco | 0-1 (Win) |
| Monaco | Angers | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Nice | Monaco | 2-1 (Loss) |
Monaco has maintained a b performance, leveraging their home advantage effectively. Their only clean sheet came against Bologna, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities, but their ability to score consistently keeps them competitive.
Monaco Key Players
Monaco boasts some considerable talents, with Maghnes Akliouche emerging as a key player under coach Adi Hütter. Akliouche, the top scorer for Monaco in the Champions League with two goals, has been instrumental in their attack. Other pivotal figures include Aleksandr Golovin, known for his creative playmaking, and Breel Embolo, who will spearhead their forward line. Defensively, Thilo Kehrer and Mohammed Salisu have been solid at the back, paired with the reliable hands of goalkeeper Radosław Majecki. Midfield enforcers Denis Zakaria and Lamine Camara will be crucial in breaking up Benfica’s attacks.
Expected lineup for Monaco:
- Goalkeeper: Radosław Majecki
- Defenders: Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, Caio Henrique
- Midfielders: Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara, Maghnes Akliouche, Aleksandr Golovin, Eliesse Ben Seghir
- Forward: Breel Embolo
Monaco Suspensions & Injuries
Monaco is dealing with a few key injuries that could impact their performance against Benfica. Here’s a look at the current injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Mamadou Coulibaly | Cruciate ligament injury | Late January 2025 |
| Edan Diop | Foot injury | Early December 2024 |
| Krepin Diatta | Muscle injury | A few weeks |
The absence of players like Mamadou Coulibaly and Edan Diop may require adjustments in Monaco’s defensive and midfield setup. Coach Adi Hütter will need to strategize carefully to fill these gaps and maintain their competitive edge without these key players. However, there are no suspensions to worry about for Monaco, which means they can still field a robust lineup.
Monaco Tactics and Formation
Monaco Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Breel Embolo
- Midfield Trio: Denis Zakaria, Aleksandr Golovin, Maghnes Akliouche
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Most goals scored between 61-75 and 76-90-minute intervals
Monaco is set to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, which has served them well in the competition so far. Radoslaw Majecki will guard the goal, while Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, and Caio Henrique are poised to form a compact backline. In the midfield, Denis Zakaria and Lamine Camara will offer defensive solidity, while Maghnes Akliouche, Aleksandr Golovin, and Eliesse Ben Seghir focus on creative play. Breel Embolo will spearhead the attack, offering a potent goal threat. The squad’s pressing game, particularly effective in the second half, aims to exploit any fatigue in the opposition’s defense.
Benfica Team Analysis
Benfica Recent Performance WWLWW
Benfica have shown a b run of recent form, with 4 wins out of their last 5 matches. This includes impressive victories such as a dominating 7-0 win against Estrela da Amadora and a convincing 4-1 triumph over FC Porto. They have averaged 3.20 goals per game, underscoring their attacking prowess. Despite their b start, they did face a setback with a narrow 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich.
Their defensive record is decent, with 2 clean sheets in their last 5 matches, demonstrating their solid backline.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Benfica | Estrela da Amadora | 7-0 (Win) |
| Benfica | FC Porto | 4-1 (Win) |
| Bayern Munich | Benfica | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Farense | Benfica | 1-2 (Win) |
| Benfica | Santa Clara | 3-0 (Win) |
Overall, Benfica’s attacking efficiency and decent defensive stability make them a formidable opponent for Monaco at Stade Louis II.
Benfica Key Players
Benfica will be relying heavily on their key players to deliver a b performance against Monaco. The team’s top scorer, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, with three goals in the competition, will be pivotal in leading the attack. Additionally, veteran winger Angel Di Maria is expected to play a significant role on the right flank, contributing in terms of both creativity and experience.
Benfica’s defense will be marshaled by the experienced Nicolas Otamendi, who will be crucial in containing Monaco’s forward, Breel Embolo.
Expected lineup for Benfica:
- Goalkeeper: Anatolii Trubin
- Defenders: Alexander Bah, António Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Álvaro Fernández Carreras
- Midfielders: Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino Luís, Orkun Kökcü
- Attackers: Angel Di Maria, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Vangelis Pavlidis
The midfield battle between Benfica’s Orkun Kökcü and Monaco’s Aleksandr Golovin could also be a key determinant of the match outcome.
Benfica Suspensions & Injuries
Benfica will face some challenges due to injuries in their squad. No players are suspended, which is a relief for coach Bruno Lage, but a few critical injuries might impact their performance against Monaco.
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Tiago Gouveia | Shoulder injury | Back in training |
| Jan-Niklas Beste | Muscle injury | Early December 2024 |
| Renato Sanches | Physical discomfort | A few days |
Tiago Gouveia’s return to training is a good sign, but his match fitness might still be in question. Jan-Niklas Beste and Renato Sanches’ absence could weaken Benfica’s depth, especially in the midfield.
These injuries might affect Benfica’s rotation options, potentially hampering their ability to maintain high energy levels throughout the match.
Benfica Tactics and Formation
Benfica’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
- Attacking Midfield: Orkun Kökcü, Angel Di Maria (Right Wing), Kerem Aktürkoglu (Left Wing)
- Defensive Midfield: Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino Luís
Benfica has demonstrated their strength in attack, averaging 3.20 goals in their last five games. Utilizing a 4-2-3-1 formation, they rely heavily on the creative prowess of Angel Di Maria and the scoring abilities of Kerem Aktürkoglu, their top scorer in the tournament.
Their defense, anchored by António Silva and Nicolas Otamendi, has kept two clean sheets in the last five matches. Despite this, they concede an average of 1.3 goals per game this season, suggesting a vulnerability that Monaco might exploit.
Expect Benfica to play a balanced game, leveraging the experience of Di Maria and the offensive threat from Pavlidis to disrupt Monaco’s defense.
Monaco vs Benfica Head-to-Head Statistics
The historical encounters between Monaco and Benfica indicate closely contested matches. Here’s a look at their last five meetings:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Benfica | Monaco | 1-0 |
| Monaco | Benfica | 0-0 |
| Benfica | Monaco | 3-2 |
Venue and Weather
Stade Louis II in Monaco is the host for this intriguing Champions League clash. This stadium, known for its picturesque location and modern facilities, has a seating capacity of around 18,500. It’s renowned for creating an electrifying atmosphere, despite its relatively modest size compared to other European grounds.
The weather forecast for matchday on 28th November 2024 indicates overcast clouds with temperatures hovering around 10°C. Humidity is expected to be at 79%, and a gentle wind speed of 6.78 m/s is predicted.
These conditions are moderate and should not significantly hamper either team. However, the overcast skies may lead to a slightly damp pitch, which could affect the ball’s speed and players’ footing. Monaco, familiar with their home turf, might adapt better, while Benfica will need to adjust quickly to these conditions for optimum performance.
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