In a Champions League match that will be remembered for years, Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a jaw-dropping 98th-minute header to secure Benfica’s 4-2 win over Real Madrid.
The goal not only kept Benfica alive in the tournament but also dashed Real Madrid’s hopes of an automatic spot in the last 16.
A Finale Straight Out of a Movie
Benfica seemed destined for elimination despite leading 3-2 deep into stoppage time.
With the seconds ticking away, the Portuguese side earned a late free kick, and Trubin, usually confined to his goal, surged forward to meet the ball with a powerful header.
The net bulged, the stadium erupted, and Benfica’s hopes were revived on goal difference.
Fans, players, and even charismatic coach Jose Mourinho — a former Real Madrid manager — went wild at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon.
It was a celebration befitting the drama of the night.
Real Madrid’s Frustrating Night
The Spanish giants had hoped to finish in the top eight and avoid the playoff round, but 15 points from eight games fell short.
The match ended in disappointment for Real as they finished with nine men, with Raul Asencio and Rodrygo sent off in the closing moments.
Despite the loss, Kylian Mbappe showcased his talent by scoring both of Real’s goals in an end-to-end spectacle.
His second goal of the night marked his 36th across all competitions this season.
Benfica’s Offensive Stars Shine
Andreas Schjelderup starred for Benfica, scoring two well-timed goals, while Vangelis Pavlidis converted a crucial penalty.
Pavlidis’ assist set up Schjelderup for his second, giving Benfica a 3-1 lead before Mbappe’s late strike made it 3-2.
Even with Real Madrid pushing forward, Benfica held their composure, and the late free-kick opportunity allowed Trubin to become the hero of the night.
Fredrik Aursnes’ precise delivery found the goalkeeper in the perfect position for a header that would change everything.
Benfica Sneak Through at Marseille’s Expense
The dramatic win allowed Benfica to advance at the expense of Marseille, who fell 3-0 to Club Brugge.
For a brief moment, the giant screen in Belgium congratulated both Marseille and Club Brugge on moving forward — only for Benfica’s miraculous header to turn the standings on their head.
Drama From Start to Finish
The match featured tension from the first whistle.
Benfica were denied two early penalties, while Real struck first through Mbappe’s header following Asencio’s cross.
Benfica responded six minutes later, capitalizing on a slip by Asencio, as Pavlidis’ cross found Schjelderup in the box.
Late in the first half, Benfica were awarded a penalty for a foul on Nicolas Otamendi, and Pavlidis stepped up confidently to score.
Schjelderup’s second goal made it 3-1, but Real refused to go quietly, with Mbappe scoring again to keep the match alive.
A Night of Champions League Theatre
The final free kick that allowed Trubin to score was the perfect coda to a night of extraordinary drama.
Benfica’s unlikely hero, normally tasked with guarding the goal, etched his name into Champions League history with a header that sent the Portuguese fans into delirium.
It was a match that showcased everything the tournament is about: tension, skill, and the reminder that in football, anything can happen until the final whistle.
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