Benfica vs. Real Madrid delivered one of the most shocking nights in recent UEFA Champions League history. Benfica beat the Spanish giants 4–2 at the Estádio da Luz, which not only sent the Portuguese club into the knockout play-offs but also knocked Real Madrid out of the automatic Last 16 spots in a dramatic way.
The Benfica vs Real Madrid fixture was more than just a game; it became a historic moment in Champions League lore as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a memorable header in the 98th minute to send his team to ensure his team remains in the knockouts. The achievement stunned spectators and reshaped the fate of both clubs in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Benfica vs Real Madrid: How the Game Unfolded
There was a lot on the line during the Benfica vs Real Madrid match. Real Madrid, one of the best teams in football history, came into the game hoping for at least a draw, which would have put them in the Champions League Round of 16. Benfica, on the other hand, knew nothing less than victory would keep their hopes alive for progression through the means of goal difference.
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Real Madrid struck first, thanks to Kylian Mbappé 30th minute goal. Mbappé’s opener was his 12th goal of the competition’s league phase, a testament to his clinical finishing and overall influence for Los Blancos throughout the campaign.
But Benfica fought back with all their might. Andreas Schjelderup scored in the 36th minute to tie the game. Then, just before halftime, Vangelis Pavlidis scored from the penalty spot to give the home team the lead. Schjelderup then scored again early in the second half, making it 3–1 and shocking the home crowd. Benfica were now in full control.
Real Madrid wouldn’t give up without a fight. In the 58th minute, Mbappé curled in another goal to make it 3–2, setting up an exciting finish and giving the visitors new hope. But there was still more drama to come.
Historic Keeper Goal Changes the Course of Events
Deep into stoppage time, the Benfica vs. Real Madrid tie had what was probably the most surreal moment. With only a few seconds left and Benfica up by one goal, coach José Mourinho told goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to join the attack for a late free kick.
Trubin didn’t just move forward; he made history. In the 98th minute, the Ukrainian goalkeeper scored with a powerful header, which no one saw coming, sending the stadium into pandemonium.
The goal wasn’t just a rare sight; it was the most important one. Trubin’s header gave Benfica the goal difference they needed to move up to the Champions League knockout play-offs, pushing Real Madrid down to ninth place in the standings, just one point short of automatic qualification.
This amazing event made Trubin the fifth goalkeeper in Champions League history to score a goal and the first goalkeeper ever to score against Real Madrid in any European tournament.
What Next for Real Madrid?
The result of the Benfica vs. Real Madrid game had immediate effect on Real Madrid. Even though they were in a good position going into the game, they lost 4–2, which meant they now have to go through the qualifying play-off round instead of going straight to the Round of 16. This is a major shift in the club’s European campaign, especially given their history of consistent deep runs in the competition.
Real Madrid ended the game with nine players after Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo both got red cards late in the game. This made things even worse for the Los Blancos on a night when many thought they would win easily.
The loss also stopped the momentum Real Madrid had built under coach Álvaro Arbeloa after a rough time that included exiting the Spanish Cup. The team can still move on through the play-offs, but their path to European glory is now much less straightforward.
Mourinho, Benfica, and the Night That Changed Everything
The Benfica vs. Real Madrid game will be remembered not only for the score, but also for the drama, the emotional stakes, and the shocking ending. José Mourinho, the manager of Benfica and former coach of Real Madrid, was overjoyed by Trubin’s goal. It was a moment that proved him right and helped his campaign in Lisbon.
Mourinho, who led Benfica to the Champions League play-offs in some of the most dramatic ways possible, praised his goalkeeper’s hard work and the team’s spirit. The dramatic scenes, like Mourinho hugging a ball boy in celebration, showed how emotional the game was.
“I knew we weren’t through yet, that 3-2 wasn’t enough, and we were lucky with a set piece. Our goalkeeper Trubin, who is two metres tall, went into the box and scored a fantastic goal, a historic goal … It felt like the stadium was going to collapse. Incredible.” Mourinho said after the match, as per Reuters.
Broader Champions League Implications
The Benfica vs. Real Madrid match showed how dramatic the UEFA Champions League’s league phase can be, especially with the new format where every match, even the last one, has big effects on standings, qualification, and future matches.
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Other clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Chelsea have secured positions in the top eight with strong results on the same night.
In the meantime, Real Madrid and other teams will get ready for the Champions League play-offs in February. These are two-legged matches against teams that finished lower in the league standings but still want to go far in Europe’s top competition.
Conclusion
The Benfica vs. Real Madrid game will go down in history as one of the most dramatic nights in Champions League history.
From Kylian Mbappé’s early strike for Real Madrid to Benfica’s spirited comeback, and finally to a goalkeeper’s stoppage-time header that changed the fate of both teams, it was a great example of how unpredictable football can be.
Benfica’s win means they can celebrate, be proud, and keep going on their European journey. For Real Madrid, it means a new challenge in the playoffs and a reminder that even the best teams can lose.
