Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, needed a victory and favorable goal difference to sneak into the qualification spots. Real Madrid, despite their star power including Kylian Mbappé, were aiming to secure a top-eight finish and avoid the extra play-off round. The match unfolded as a thriller, ending in a stunning 4-2 win for the Portuguese side, sealed by an improbable hero: goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
The game saw Real Madrid take an early lead through Mbappé, who headed home in the 30th minute for his record-breaking tally in the league phase. Benfica fought back fiercely, with contributions from their attacking players building momentum. By the later stages, Benfica led 3-2, but the scoreline wasn't enough—they required one more goal to overhaul rivals like Marseille on goal difference for the coveted 24th spot.
As stoppage time ticked away, tension peaked. Real Madrid's defense unraveled, with Raul Asencio and Rodrygo both receiving red cards in the dying minutes, reducing them to nine players. Benfica earned a late free-kick deep in added time—around the 98th minute. In a classic Mourinho masterstroke, the manager instructed Trubin to surge forward and join the attack.
The Ukrainian shot-stopper rose highest to meet the delivery with a powerful header, powering it past Thibaut Courtois for the 4-2 goal. It came with virtually the last touch of the match, sparking wild celebrations at the Estádio da Luz. Trubin's strike not only completed the comeback but propelled Benfica to 24th place on nine points with a goal difference of -2, edging out Marseille (also nine points but inferior GD) for the final play-off berth.
This result condemned Real Madrid to ninth position, forcing them into the play-offs— a surprising setback for the European giants. Mbappé scored twice in the game, but it wasn't enough amid the chaos. Mourinho, facing his former club, orchestrated a tactical triumph that embodied his reputation for dramatic, resilient football.
Trubin, already renowned for his shot-stopping, etched his name into Champions League folklore. He became only the fifth goalkeeper to score in the competition, joining legends like Hans-Jörg Butt. Post-match reactions highlighted the disbelief—even Trubin himself seemed stunned as teammates mobbed him.
Benfica now advances to the knockout play-offs, where they face a seeded opponent (reports suggest Bodø/Glimt). Real Madrid, meanwhile, must navigate the additional hurdle, potentially against Inter. This match underscored the excitement of the expanded 36-team league phase: high stakes, unpredictability, and moments of pure magic.
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