Late Goal, Red Cards, Chaos: Benfica snatch survival as Madrid collapse in Champions League thriller
Real Madrid failed to secure automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after a dramatic 4–2 defeat to Benfica, a result sealed in extraordinary fashion by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s stoppage-time goal that kept the Portuguese side alive in the competition.
In a pulsating European encounter that saw José Mourinho haunt his former club once again, Benfica snatched the final place in the knockout-stage play-offs in front of a raucous crowd at the Estádio da Luz.
Needing one more goal to edge past Marseille on goal difference, Trubin surged forward in the 98th minute and produced a diving header from Fredrik Aursnes’ free-kick, sending the stadium into delirium.
READ MORE: Arsenal seal EFL Cup final spot with gritty win over Chelsea
The result, combined with Sporting CP’s late victory over Athletic Club, condemned Real Madrid to the play-off round, despite their hopes of automatic qualification.
Madrid had survived early scares, with Thibaut Courtois tipping Gianluca Prestianni’s effort onto the crossbar before Heorhii Sudakov struck the woodwork. The visitors eventually broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when Raúl Asencio’s delivery was met by Kylian Mbappé, who powered home a header for his 12th Champions League goal of the campaign—the highest tally by any player in the league or group phase.
Benfica responded swiftly, with Andreas Schjelderup heading in an equaliser in the 36th minute following a cross from Vangelis Pavlidis. The Greek forward then turned scorer himself, converting from the penalty spot just before half-time after Aurélien Tchouaméni fouled Nicolás Otamendi.
The hosts extended their lead when Pavlidis teed up Schjelderup to fire past Courtois, compounding Madrid’s troubles. Mbappé briefly reignited hopes with a clinical first-time finish from Arda Güler’s cutback four minutes later.
Both goalkeepers remained busy in the closing stages, with Courtois denying Leandro Barreiro and Trubin producing a crucial stop to keep out Mbappé at the other end. Madrid’s situation worsened further in stoppage time when Asensio and Rodrygo were both sent off, leaving the visitors with nine men.
Benfica capitalised on their numerical advantage in unforgettable fashion as Trubin’s late heroics secured progression for Mourinho’s side. Real Madrid must now navigate the knockout play-offs, where a potential immediate rematch with Benfica—or a tie against Bodø/Glimt—awaits.
