Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin produced an extraordinary moment in the 98th minute on Wednesday evening, powering a header into the net to seal a remarkable 4-2 triumph over Real Madrid and secure the final Champions League playoff berth for Jose Mourinho’s side, reports BritPanorama.
The towering Ukrainian, standing at 6ft 6in, ventured forward for a late free-kick and met Fredrik Aursnes’ delivery with precision, nodding the ball beyond Thibaut Courtois.
Scenes of jubilation erupted at Estadio da Luz as the shot-stopper became only the third goalkeeper in Champions League history to score from open play, following Sinan Bolat and Ivan Provedel. Mourinho was captured celebrating with his staff amidst the chaotic scenes.
The contest had swung back and forth throughout an enthralling encounter in Lisbon. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring on the half-hour mark before Andreas Schjelderup drew the hosts level six minutes later. Vangelis Pavlidis converted from the penalty spot just before half-time to put Benfica ahead, and Schjelderup’s second of the night extended their advantage further. Mbappe pulled one back for the visitors, setting up a tense finish with the score at 3-2.
Real Madrid’s evening deteriorated further when Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were both dismissed during second-half stoppage time, reducing Carlo Ancelotti’s side to nine men. Benfica entered the final match day on six points, requiring victory by a two-goal margin to leapfrog Marseille into 24th position on goal difference. A single-goal triumph would have left both clubs level, with the French side progressing courtesy of superior goals scored. Trubin’s intervention lifted Benfica’s goal difference to minus two, edging them past their rivals.
Real Madrid’s defeat saw them slip to ninth in the league phase standings, which means they must now navigate a two-legged playoff in February rather than advancing directly to the last 16. Los Blancos will face Inter Milan, while Mourinho’s men are set to meet Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt. The Champions League league phase concluded dramatically, with football fans treated to 18 matches that took place simultaneously, involving Premier League sides Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham, all vying for spots in the top eight.
This night served as a reminder of football’s unpredictable nature, where a goalkeeper could turn the tide, and champions could find themselves facing an early exit. As the dust settles, one can’t help but reflect on the dramatic interplay of fate and fortune that defines this sport — moments that truly embody the essence of competition.
