Vangelis Pavlidis scores his fifth goal in three games to give Benfica a 1-0 win away against Monaco in the first leg of the Champions League play-offs.

Benfica have won three successive Champions League away games for the first time, last achieving the feat in Europe's top club competition in 1989-90

Vangelis Pavlidis' second half strike helped Benfica pick up a crucial away win in their Champions League play-off tie against Monaco.

Monaco face an uphill struggle next week in the second leg of their Champions League play-off after going down 1-0 at home to Benfica.

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,

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.

Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis has popped up with another vital UEFA Champions League performance as he bagged the winning goal against AS Monaco to strengthen Benfica's chances of qualifying to the Round of 16.

Benfica drew first blood in their Champions League knockout phase playoff tie with Monaco, thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis' strike.

MONACO (Reuters) -Benfica took a big step towards the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 victory at 10-man AS Monaco in the first leg of the playoffs on Wednesday. Vangelis Pavlidis scored the only goal early in the second half just before Moatasem al-Musrati was shown a red card after a second booking.