Goalkeeper's Late Heroics Keep Benfica's Champions League Hopes Alive
In a breathtaking climax at the Estadio da Luz, Benfica's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin became an unlikely hero by scoring a 98th-minute header to secure a dramatic 4-2 victory over Real Madrid. This last-gasp goal ensured the Portuguese side scraped into the Champions League play-off places, denying Real Madrid an automatic spot in the last 16 and sparking wild celebrations among players, fans, and coach Jose Mourinho.
A Night of High Drama in Lisbon
The match unfolded as a hugely entertaining, end-to-end contest, with both teams needing a goal for different reasons in the final minutes. Benfica's advancement came at the expense of Marseille, who lost 3-0 at Club Brugge, highlighting the competition's format where a single goal could dramatically alter the standings. The Spaniards finished with nine men after red cards for Raul Asencio and Rodrygo, compounding their disappointment.
Key Moments and Scorers
The action-packed game saw Andreas Schjelderup net two goals for Benfica, while Vangelis Pavlidis scored from the penalty spot. For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe struck twice, including his 36th goal of the season. Benfica were denied two early penalty shouts, but they fought back from a 30th-minute lead by Mbappe to level and eventually take control, only for Trubin's header from Fredrik Aursnes' free-kick to seal the win in stoppage time.
Implications for the Champions League
This result underscores the unpredictability and excitement of the Champions League, with Benfica now advancing to the play-off round on goal difference. The match served as a vindication of the tournament's structure, where every moment counts, and even goalkeepers can turn the tables in the most critical moments.
