AS Monaco face a defining moment in their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night as they take on Benfica in Lisbon, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to keep their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.
The narrow defeat at the Stade Louis-II left Monaco frustrated, with the match overshadowed by a controversial red card for Al Musrati.
However, Adi Hütter’s side must now move past that disappointment and produce a performance of both attacking sharpness and defensive resilience against a well-drilled Benfica side.
With qualification on the line, the return of Lamine Camara from an ankle injury provides a significant boost for the French club.
The Senegalese midfielder’s energy and creativity could be instrumental in breaking down Benfica’s disciplined defensive unit.
Meanwhile, his compatriot Krépin Diatta offers versatility in attack, making him a key figure in Monaco’s quest for goals.
Benfica, known for their strength at home, will provide a formidable challenge.
Roger Schmidt’s team demonstrated their defensive solidity in the first leg, and with a lead to protect, they are likely to adopt a disciplined approach while looking to exploit spaces on the counterattack.
Monaco, currently enjoying a strong domestic campaign, will need to channel that form into their European ambitions.
With their Champions League fate hanging in the balance, they must deliver a composed yet aggressive performance when the match kicks off at 20:00 GMT.
