Benfica produced one of the most dramatic nights of the UEFA Champions League season, defeating Real Madrid 4–2 in Lisbon and sending both clubs into the playoff round. A last-gasp header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin not only sealed Benfica’s survival but also denied Real Madrid a coveted top-eight finish and direct qualification to the last 16.
The result capped a chaotic, emotional evening at the Estadio da Luz, where Jose Mourinho masterminded a famous win against his former club. With qualification hanging by a thread deep into stoppage time, Benfica needed one final moment — and it came from the most unlikely source.
Trubin Delivers the Moment of the Night
As the clock ticked beyond 98 minutes, Benfica earned a final free kick. Trubin sprinted forward from his own penalty area, joining the attack with nothing left to lose. Fredrik Aursnes swung the ball into the box, and the Ukrainian goalkeeper rose highest to head home the decisive goal.
The stadium erupted. Benfica players sprinted toward the corner flag, Mourinho punched the air, and Real Madrid stood stunned. The goal flipped the standings instantly, lifting Benfica into the playoff positions on goal difference while dragging Madrid with them.
Real Miss Out on Top-Eight Finish
Real Madrid entered the night hoping to secure a place among the top eight teams, which would have guaranteed direct passage to the last 16. Instead, the defeat left them on 15 points from eight matches — not enough to avoid the playoff round.
Their frustration boiled over late in the game, with Raul Asencio and Rodrygo both sent off, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side to finish with nine men. Despite Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance, discipline and defensive lapses ultimately cost the Spanish giants.
End-to-End Classic in Lisbon
The match itself delivered relentless entertainment from the opening whistle. Benfica started brightly and were denied two strong penalty appeals early on, but it was Real who struck first against the run of play in the 30th minute. Asencio’s cross found Mbappe at the back post, and the French forward made no mistake with a powerful header.
Benfica responded swiftly. Six minutes later, a slip from Asencio in wet conditions allowed Vangelis Pavlidis to deliver a pinpoint cross for Andreas Schjelderup, who nodded in the equaliser.
Just before halftime, the hosts were finally rewarded with a penalty when Aurelien Tchouameni was judged to have pulled down Nicolas Otamendi. Pavlidis calmly converted to give Benfica a 2–1 lead at the break.
Mbappe Shines, Benfica Refuse to Fold
Schjelderup struck again in the second half, finishing off another intelligent Pavlidis assist to make it 3–1 and put Benfica in control. However, Real Madrid refused to fade quietly.
Mbappe scored his second of the night — his 36th goal in all competitions this season — with a composed finish that reignited Madrid’s hopes and turned the final minutes into a nerve-shredding affair.
As results elsewhere briefly appeared to send Benfica out, tension gripped the stadium. Screens in Belgium prematurely celebrated qualification for other teams, but the story was not finished.
Mourinho’s Night of Vindication
When Trubin’s header hit the net, it confirmed Benfica’s progression at the expense of Marseille and underlined the drama of the Champions League’s league-phase format. One goal, one moment, reshaped the entire table.
For Mourinho, it was a night of personal satisfaction — a tactical triumph against a former employer and a reminder of his enduring ability to thrive under pressure.
Benfica march on, Real Madrid regroup, and the Champions League playoff round now promises even more drama after an unforgettable night in Lisbon.