Benfica stunned Real Madrid 4-2 at the Estadio da Luz, keeping their Champions League hopes alive in dramatic fashion while consigning the Spanish giants to the play-offs.
The unforgettable climax came in the 98th minute when Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin rose to meet Fredrik Aursnes’ free-kick and scored a diving header — the first ever by a keeper against Real in European competition.
Earlier, Real Madrid had taken the lead in the 30th minute as Raul Asencio assisted Kylian Mbappe for a thunderous header, marking Mbappe’s 12th Champions League goal of the group stage.
Benfica hit back quickly: Andreas Schjelderup equalized in the 36th minute, before Vangelis Pavlidis converted a penalty just before halftime after Nicolas Otamendi was fouled by Aurelien Tchouameni.
Schjelderup then added a second header to put Benfica ahead, only for Mbappe to pull one back from Arda Guler’s assist.
Madrid dominated possession and had chances to retake control, but crucial saves from Trubin and some missed opportunities from Real kept the hosts in the contest.
The drama escalated in stoppage time when Asencio and Rodrygo were both sent off, leaving Madrid with nine men — and setting the stage for Trubin’s historic heroics.
With the win, Benfica surpass Marseille on goal difference to advance to the knockout play-off round, while Madrid must navigate the play-offs to reach the last 16.
Mourinho’s tactical acumen and Benfica’s resilience shone through in a night of Champions League theatre that will be remembered for years to come.
