Benfica kept their Champions League campaign alive in extraordinary fashion as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored in the 98th minute to seal a dramatic 4–2 victory over Real Madrid at Estadio da Luz, a result Jose Mourinho later admitted he did not initially realise was essential for qualification.
The Portuguese side had looked on course with a narrow advantage before late confusion on the touchline gave way to chaos, celebration, and one of the most remarkable moments of the European season as Trubin rose to head home deep into stoppage time.
Real Madrid struck first through Kylian Mbappe, who continued his prolific form with the opening goal before adding another later in the contest. Benfica responded with authority, turning the game on its head and surging into a 3–1 lead early in the second half, only for Madrid to keep the pressure alive until the final seconds.
The result proved decisive in the league phase standings, with Benfica finishing 24th and edging into the play offs on goal difference. Only one additional goal separated them from elimination, underlining why Trubin’s intervention carried such weight on the final night.
Estadio da Luz crackled with tension from the opening whistle, the crowd sensing the stakes of a night that could define Benfica’s European season. Madrid controlled possession early, with Mbappe and Jude Bellingham driving the tempo, while Benfica remained compact and dangerous on the break.
Chances arrived at both ends as the game swung in momentum. Thibaut Courtois was forced into key stops, while Trubin stood firm for long spells as Madrid searched for control. Tactical adjustments from Mourinho aimed to protect the lead as the clock ran down.
Benfica’s goals came through sharp transitions and decisive finishing, punishing Madrid’s defensive gaps. Mbappe’s second briefly reignited Madrid’s hopes, setting the stage for a frantic finale in which every clearance and set piece carried consequence.
As stoppage time stretched on, a late free kick offered Benfica one final chance. Trubin joined the attack, towering above the crowd to glance a header beyond Courtois and spark wild scenes inside the stadium as players and staff poured onto the pitch.
The second half had already been marked by missed chances and mounting pressure, with Madrid pushing numbers forward and Benfica retreating deeper than intended. Mourinho later admitted he believed his side had done enough before learning another goal was required, a revelation that made the final moments even more surreal.
The late drama triggered emotional celebrations from the Benfica bench, with Mourinho later apologising to Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa for his reaction. The veteran manager acknowledged the moment carried him away after witnessing a goalkeeper decide a Champions League match.
Benfica now advance to the play offs, where they will face either Real Madrid again or Inter, another of Mourinho’s former clubs. With momentum and belief restored, the result offers the Lisbon side a platform to dream bigger, while reinforcing that even at this level, football can still produce moments that defy expectation.
