Trubin’s Heroic Header Sends Benfica Past Real Madrid

Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin delivered an unforgettable moment in Champions League history, netting a dramatic 98th-minute header to secure Benfica’s passage to the playoffs with a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid.

Trubin’s Last-Gasp Goal Rescues Benfica

Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin etched his name into European football folklore on a stunning night at Estadio da Luz. In a must-win Champions League clash against Real Madrid, the Portuguese side’s hopes of reaching the playoff rounds hung by a thread deep into stoppage time. With his side facing elimination on goal difference, Trubin joined the attack for a late set-piece, rising highest to meet a desperate cross and power a header into the back of the net in the 98th minute.

The goal sent Jose Mourinho’s Benfica into raptures and their fans into wild celebration, overturning a contest that had seemed out of their grasp. The result left Real Madrid, who finished with only nine men after stoppage-time red cards for Raul Asencio and Rodrygo, stunned and consigned to a two-legged playoff against Inter Milan next month.

Benfica vs Real Madrid: Goals, Drama, and Redemption

The high-stakes encounter began with early pressure from the visitors. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after 30 minutes, raising the stakes for Mourinho’s side. However, Benfica responded swiftly as Andreas Schjelderup equalised just six minutes later. Vangelis Pavlidis then converted a penalty on the stroke of halftime, giving Benfica a 2-1 lead and renewed hope.

The second half saw Schjelderup double his tally, but Mbappe’s second goal kept Real Madrid within touching distance. As the minutes ticked away, Benfica’s Champions League dreams seemed to be slipping. But Trubin’s sensational intervention reversed their fortunes, ensuring their journey in Europe continued and sending their supporters into ecstasy.

Benfica’s Statistical Dominance and Mourinho’s Masterstroke

Statistically, Benfica outperformed Madrid in almost every area. The home side registered 22 shots to Madrid’s 16, created eight big chances to Madrid’s three, and posted an impressive expected goals (xG) figure of 2.99 compared to 1.50 for the visitors. Mourinho’s decision to send Trubin forward in the dying seconds proved to be a masterstroke, underlining his knack for big-game decisions and dramatic turnarounds on the European stage.

Playoff Picture: What’s Next for Benfica and Real Madrid?

The win means Benfica will now face Norway’s Bodo/Glimt in the upcoming playoff round—an opponent Mourinho knows well from his Roma days, having suffered a humbling 6-1 defeat to them in the Conference League in 2021. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s uncharacteristic defensive lapses and disciplinary issues see them pitted against Italian giants Inter Milan, setting up another blockbuster tie.

The Champions League playoff rounds will take place between 16-18 and 23-25 February, with both teams needing to regroup quickly for the next phase of their campaigns.

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Opinion: Trubin’s Goal Symbolizes Benfica’s Spirit

Anatoliy Trubin’s last-minute goal encapsulates the fighting spirit that defines Benfica under Jose Mourinho. It’s a testament to the club’s never-say-die attitude and the power of belief, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Moments like these remind us why the Champions League remains the pinnacle of football drama. As the playoff rounds approach, Benfica’s momentum—and their fans’ dreams—have never been higher.