Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid
Madrid, Jan 29: In a sensational Champions League thriller on Wednesday, Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a last-gasp 98th-minute header to seal a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid, keeping the Portuguese side alive in the tournament and denying the Spanish giants an automatic spot in the Round of 16.
The dramatic finale at Lisbon’s Stadium of Light saw Benfica seemingly heading out despite leading 3-2, before Trubin joined the attack for a free-kick delivery and powered home the decisive goal that allowed Benfica to progress on goal difference. The moment sparked wild celebrations among Benfica players, fans, and their charismatic coach Jose Mourinho, a former Real Madrid manager.
Real Madrid, who had hoped to finish in the top eight for direct qualification to the last 16, ended the match with nine men after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off. Despite finishing with 15 points from eight games, they fell short of automatic qualification.
For Benfica, Andreas Schjelderup scored twice and Vangelis Pavlidis converted a first-half penalty, while Kylian Mbappe netted a brace for Real Madrid in a thrilling, end-to-end encounter.
Earlier, Real took the lead in the 30th minute when Mbappe capitalised on Asencio’s cross, but Benfica equalised six minutes later through Schjelderup after Pavlidis’ assist. The home side then went ahead via Pavlidis’ penalty awarded for a foul on Nicolas Otamendi, before Schjelderup made it 3-1 with another precise finish. Mbappe’s second brought Real back to 3-2, marking his 36th goal of the season across all competitions.
With both teams needing a goal in the final minutes, Benfica were awarded a free kick in stoppage time. Trubin rose above the Real defence to nod home Fredrik Aursnes’ delivery, completing an astonishing comeback and sending Benfica into the playoff round, at the expense of Marseille, who had lost 3-0 to Club Brugge.
The match highlighted the dramatic potential of the Champions League format, where a single goal in the dying moments can completely reshape the group standings. Benfica’s remarkable night in Lisbon will be remembered as one of the competition’s most extraordinary finales.