Turkish stars Kokcu, Akturkoglu shine as Benfica advances to Champions League last 16
Benfica's Turkish midfielder #10 Orkun Kokcu celebrates after scoring their third goal during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg football match between SL Benfica and AS Monaco at Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Feb. 18, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Benfica secured their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Monaco on Tuesday, advancing with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the play-off round.
Despite twice falling behind, Turkish star Orkun Kokcu‘s 84th-minute equalizer ensured Benfica’s progression, with Barcelona or Liverpool waiting in the next round.
Meanwhile, Benfica shared a post on social media platform X announcing Turkish star Kokcu as “the player of the match.”
Benfica finds lead with Turkish star Akturkoglu
The home side took the lead in the 22nd minute when Turkish midfielder Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu found the net.
However, Monaco responded quickly, equalizing through Takumi Minamino in the 32nd minute, sending both teams into halftime tied at 1-1.
Turkish star Kokcu secures equalizer
Monaco came out strong in the second half, with Eliesse Ben Seghir giving them the lead in the 52nd minute. Benfica fought back, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 72nd minute after Vangelis Pavlidis converted a penalty.
Monaco regained the lead in the 81st minute when George Ilenikhena scored, but the advantage was short-lived as Orkun Kokcu struck just three minutes later, securing the 3-3 draw.
With the aggregate score favoring Benfica 4-3 after their 1-0 win in the first leg, the Portuguese side advanced to the last 16, while Monaco exited the competition.
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