Monaco Remains Hopeful for Champions League Qualification Despite Home Defeat

AS Monaco suffered a setback in their UEFA Champions League qualification bid, losing 1-0 to Benfica in the first leg of their play-off match. Despite the defeat, Monaco’s manager Adi Hütter remains optimistic about their chances in the return fixture.

The match saw Benfica take the lead through a goal by Vangelis Pavlidis. Monaco’s challenge was further complicated when Moatasem Al-Musrati received a second yellow card, reducing the home team to ten men for much of the second half.

However, Monaco managed to prevent Benfica from extending their lead, keeping their hopes alive for the second leg. Hütter expressed his disappointment but emphasized the tie’s openness, stating, “We’re disappointed, but it’s only a 1-0 deficit. The return leg is still to come, and the tie remains open.”

As Monaco prepares for the crucial away match in Portugal, they will need to overturn the deficit to secure their place in the Champions League group stage. Despite the challenges, Hütter’s optimism suggests that Monaco is ready to fight for their Champions League dreams.