Benfica took a big step towards the Champions League last 16 when they claimed a 1-0 victory at 10-man Monaco in the first leg of the playoffs on Wednesday.

Vangelis Pavlidis scored his sixth goal in this season's Champions League to give Benfica a 1-0 win away to 10-man Monaco in the first leg of their knockout phase play-off tie on Wednesday. Benfica, who are currently second in the Portuguese league behind Lisbon rivals Sporting,

Monaco and Benfica were not initially considered favorites to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. However, whichever team advances from the play-offs starting on Wednesday will no longer be seen as an underdog in a competition where both clubs have already proven their credentials.