Benfica produced one of the most dramatic moments of the Champions League season as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a sensational last-gasp header to complete an extraordinary 4–2 victory over a nine-man Real Madrid, securing the Portuguese side’s place in the Champions League play-off round. The result not only stunned the European giants but also lifted Benfica into 24th position in the table, enough to claim the final available play-off spot.
Real Madrid had taken the lead through Kylian Mbappé and appeared to be in control during large spells of the contest. However, Benfica showed remarkable resilience and attacking intent, overturning the deficit through goals from Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis. Two further strikes, including Trubin’s remarkable contribution deep into stoppage time, sealed a famous night for the hosts and left Madrid facing an unexpected fight for survival in the competition.
Match Overview
The opening stages belonged largely to Real Madrid, who dictated the pace and enjoyed the majority of possession during the first 20 minutes. Carlo Ancelotti’s side moved the ball confidently and looked determined to impose themselves early. Arda Güler earned a free-kick in Madrid’s defensive half after being fouled by Heorhii Sudakov, allowing the visitors to reset and maintain their composure.
Madrid’s pressure finally told on the half-hour mark. Mbappé showed his clinical edge with a calm finish to put Los Blancos ahead in the 30th minute, seemingly confirming their dominance. However, Benfica responded almost immediately. Catching Madrid out on the counter-attack, Andreas Schjelderup found space in the box and headed home six minutes later to restore parity and shift the momentum.
Benfica continued to grow into the game, with Fredrik Aursnes testing Thibaut Courtois from close range, although the Belgian goalkeeper dealt comfortably with the effort. The first half was fiercely contested, reflected in a flurry of yellow cards. Raul Asensio and Aurélien Tchouaméni were booked for Real Madrid, while Leandro Barreiro also entered the referee’s notebook for the hosts.
Just before the interval, Benfica were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead. A foul involving Nicholas Otamendi resulted in a penalty, and Pavlidis stepped up confidently to convert, sending Benfica into the break with a surprise 2–1 advantage.
Second-Half Drama
Despite enjoying significant possession after the restart, Real Madrid continued to look vulnerable defensively. Benfica punished those lapses again nine minutes into the second half when Schjelderup struck his second goal of the night, capitalising on Raul Asensio being caught out of position to make it 3–1.
Mbappé responded quickly, scoring his second of the match to pull Madrid back into contention and raise hopes of a comeback. Although Madrid dominated the ball for long periods, Benfica remained disciplined, managing the game effectively and threatening on the break.
Courtois was called into action again as Benfica pushed for a fourth goal, denying Barreiro with a strong save. The match then tilted decisively in Benfica’s favour when Raul Asensio was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, reducing Real Madrid to ten men.
In the dying moments, Benfica delivered the final, unforgettable blow. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin surged forward for a deep free-kick and rose above everyone to head the ball into the net, sealing an astonishing victory. The goal capped a historic night, leaving Real Madrid stunned and Benfica celebrating a result that keeps their Champions League hopes alive.
