In a dramatic twist at the Estadio da Luz, SL Benfica stunned Real Madrid with a 98th-minute goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, securing Champions League knockout qualification for Jose Mourinho’s side and forcing Madrid into the playoff round.
The match, a rollercoaster from start to finish, saw Benfica leading 3-2 in the dying moments, still needing one more goal to claim the final spot in the group stage. With nine men remaining after two late red cards for Raul Asencio and Rodrygo, Real Madrid were vulnerable. Trubin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper, surged into the opposition box for a last-minute free kick and thundered a header past Thibaut Courtois, completing one of the most improbable goals in Champions League history.
Ecstasy for Benfica, Heartbreak for Madrid
The goal propelled Benfica past Olympique Marseille on the final day, giving the Portuguese giants the 24th and final qualification spot. Marseille, despite being level on points and goal difference, had a disadvantage in goals scored following a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge.
Jose Mourinho, who has faced Real Madrid as a coach numerous times, lauded Trubin’s bravery. “For me everything is deja vu, but this is for the first time,” he said post-match. “We knew that he could do it. We were losing in Porto a couple of weeks ago and he went up there and almost scored, so we know the big guy is capable of this.”
For Real Madrid, the result is disastrous. The Spanish giants, already enduring a tumultuous season, finish ninth in the group, meaning they must navigate a playoff round to reach the round of 16 a scenario that jeopardizes their title ambitions.
A Night of Chaos and Counter-Attacks
Earlier in the match, Norwegian winger Andreas Schjederlup scored twice on counter-attacks to give Benfica control, with Vangelis Pavlidis adding a penalty goal in between. Kylian Mbappe continued his record-breaking Champions League form, scoring twice to extend his tally to 13 goals in the group stage.
Benfica also benefited from late results elsewhere: Sporting Club and Chelsea scored late goals against Athletic Club and Napoli, while Harry Kane netted for Tottenham against PSV Eindhoven. These results ensured Benfica edged through narrowly with 9 points.
On a night defined by red cards, counter-attacks, and a last-gasp goalkeeper header, Benfica scripted one of the most remarkable comebacks in Champions League history, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe.