In one of the most extraordinary moments in recent Champions League history, Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a stunning 97th-minute header to secure a dramatic 4-2 victory over Real Madrid on Thursday night. The 6ft 6in Ukrainian stopper’s impossible goal saved Benfica from elimination and ignited scenes of jubilation across the Estadio da Luz, where nearly 70,000 supporters witnessed history unfold.
A Goalkeeper’s Moment of Glory
The match had already spilled into injury time when Trubin rose majestically above the Madrid defense to thunder home a header that will be remembered for generations. Jose Mourinho, Benfica’s manager and former Real Madrid coach, could barely contain his emotions, rushing to embrace a ballboy as the stadium erupted in roars that transcended typical celebration.
Benfica’s Comeback Against the Odds
Despite Real Madrid’s early lead through Kylian Mbappe’s 30th-minute opener, Benfica dominated proceedings with goals from Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis. The victory proved even more impressive as Madrid finished the match with only nine players after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo received red cards in injury time.
Mourinho described the achievement as “historic,” acknowledging the emotional significance of defeating his former club when survival depended on it. The win secured Benfica’s place in the Champions League playoff round and paradoxically knocked Madrid into the playoff spots as well, setting up a potential February rematch between Mourinho and his old side. The new Champions League format, often criticized for its complexity, delivered a moment of pure drama that vindicated its dramatic potential.